Yes, you read that correctly. Disney is doing what it does best – synergy. Marvel and ESPN have come together to create a documentary and a series of video shorts.
Both projects combine the style of ESPN’s films with Marvel’s artistic style and design.
“1 of 1 – Genesis” is a feature length documentary that Marvel says “explores the connections between Marvel’s mightiest Super Heroes and the world’s greatest athletes while attempting to answer the age-old question of nature vs. nurture: Are top athletes born or created?”
The documentary is already available for digital download
“1 of 1 – Origins” is a series of short film series that will begin airing this summer on SportsCenter as well as digitally. Each film will focus on a single athlete who has a defining origin story, much like Marvel’s heroes.
As someone who enjoys sports, but doesn’t follow them closely, I’m going to have to check out the documentary and I’ll be very interested in seeing the shorts as they air.
More from Marvel:
Directed by Emmy-winning director/producer Eric Drath (“30 for 30 ‘No Mas,'” “Cornered: A Life Caught in the Ring”), produced by Emmy-winner Dan Silver, and executive produced by Tracy McAndrew and John Cerilli, both “1 of 1 – Genesis” and “1 of 1 – Origins” contain all-new interviews with some of the top athletes in the world, including Russell Wilson, Alex Morgan, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Henrik Lundqvist, Tim Howard, Colin Kaepernick, Brandi Chastain, Danica Patrick, Cal Ripken, Jr., Albert Pujols, Tony Hawk, and Manny Pacquiao. These powerhouses are joined by notable experts, including New York Times best-selling author David Epstein (“The Sports Gene”), Professor & Psychologist Ellen Winner, and Marvel luminaries, including Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada and Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso, ESPN2’s “His & Hers” co-hosts Michael Smith and Jemele Hill, among others.
Would you like to see Marvel team up like this with other companies (even if they are both Disney-owned)?