Marvel has released the first teaser trailer for Hit-Monkey. The upcoming animated series is set to bring the obscure character into the spotlight. Much like M.O.D.O.K. before it, this is not aimed at younger viewers and has a mature tone. To go along with the teaser, Marvel also confirmed the release date, with the series debuting on Hulu on November 17. Have a look.
The footage is brief but revealing. We get a sense of the tone, which is pretty serious. Though because the show revolves around a monkey assassin, quite a bit of humor is sure to come from the fact that it’s largely being taken so seriously. It’s also worth noting that the animation style is radically different from M.O.D.O.K. That’s important since the characters from these shows were, at one point, going to meet in a crossover series.
Here is the brief logline for Hit-Monkey.
“The show follows a Japanese snow monkey, aided by the ghost of an American assassin, who goes on a revenge quest and becomes the famous ‘killer of killers.’”
In addition to the trailer, Marvel also provided a cast list and character descriptions, which read as follows.
George Takei as “Shinji”
A lifelong public servant who has been the man behind the political career of Ken Takahara, his friend and political mentor. But when tragedy strikes, it falls to Shinji to pick up the baton and carry their political dreams forward. A good and honest man who raised his niece Akiko all by himself after the death of her parents. Shinji is the kind of politician everyone wishes they could have.
Jason Sudeikis as “Bryce”
A world-weary Assassin who’s made some unbelievably poor life choices. He drowns his sorrows in work, travel, and gambling but when it comes to doing hits, there’s no one better. After he’s killed in the Japanese Alps, the ghost of Bryce and Monkey are tied together on a revenge quest. A terrible mentor with a sarcastic, cynical view of the world, Bryce must ultimately dig deep within himself in order to complete his final mission and help Monkey become who he was meant to be.
Olivia Munn as “Akiko”
Smart, ambitious, and powerful, Akiko is the niece of Shinji Yokohama the future Prime Minister of Japan. Having spent time in the west for College and Law School, she has returned with strong opinions about the future of her Uncle’s campaign. Her inherently good nature however masks a darker side, one that will emerge as the season progresses.
Ally Maki as “Haruka”
An honest cop from a small town in the north, Haruka comes to Tokyo with dreams of reforming a corrupt city. But can she hold on to her values in the face of so much vice? Her new partner Ito will test her sense of right and wrong and ultimately prove to be the mentor she has always looked for. But when it falls to her to complete their case, will she have what it takes to become the cop she has always felt she could be?
Nobi Nakanishi as “Ito”
The laughing stock of the Tokyo Police Department, and struggling with a drinking problem, Ito is the only one in Tokyo who suspects that Hit-Monkey may actually be one of the good guys. But no one, not even his new partner Haruka believes him. He will have to dig deep into his past and face his demons in order to finally restore his honor.
Fred Tatasciore as “Monkey”
Monkey’s peaceful existence in the Japanese alps is shattered by the tragic loss of his tribe—setting him on a course of revenge and violence in the very world of humans that are responsible for his plight. He’s a killer of killers with a bit of a rage problem. Throughout the series, he must learn to navigate the struggle between his inherently sweet nature and the evil acts he must commit. It’s through his complicated friendship with the Ghost of Bryce (a former assassin and now, Monkey’s unwanted conscience), that will determine whether Monkey will be consumed by his rage or channel it for good. This is the story of Hit-Monkey.
Originally, Marvel had handed the green light to four solo animated shows for Hulu. Those included M.O.D.O.K. and Hit-Monkey, as well as Tigra & Dazzler and Howard the Duck. However, when Marvel Studios took a more active role in the TV side of things, the other two shows were scrapped. As was a planned crossover show titled The Offenders. So it’s not overly likely that we will get a second season of this show. But Hulu has teased that more Marvel shows could be happening at some point.
Hit-Monkey arrives on Hulu on November 17.
What do you think? Are you looking forward to the show? Do you dig the trailer? Join in on the conversion over on Facebook or Twitter!
