Runaways is poised to be Hulu’s breakout series this year and the comic book adaptation is already shaping up to be one of the best on television.
Based on some of the promotional photos the streaming service already released, it is bound to do justice to the superhero teens. Marvel knows how important it is to nail down some of the finer details of its characters and the photos released for the Runaways shows just how much effort was put into translating the group to the silver screen.
Alex Wilder is ready to lead!
Photo Credit: Hulu
Rhenzy Feliz looks ready to jump into the shoes of de facto team leader, Alex Wilder, in the photo of him shown above. It’s clear Runaways is serious about capturing as much of the comics as possible because Alex is dressed almost exactly like his on-page-comic book counterpart. Dubbed a “nerd,” he will be the reason that the group of teens reunite following an event that forces them all to mourn separately.
Looking at his half smirk in a room full of candy, it’s probably safe to say that this photo was captured before he realizes that his parents are full on villains.
Gertrude Yorkes in the house!
Photo Credit: Hulu
Social justice warrior and proud riot grrrl, Gertrude Yorkes is still rocking her purple hair with a desire to help people. Like Alex, she looks almost identical to her comic book counterpart in an outfit that has almost jumped off the page.
Considering the show takes place in high school, it’s safe to assume that the proud fighter for justice probably has a hard time in the hallways. Played by Ariela Barer, the character needs to brace for some serious heartbreak in the first episode. Based on the background and her clipboard, it’s probably safe to say that she’s making an announcement at school.
Photo Credit: Hulu
Chase Stein is bringing the muscle, but his home life might be a problem.
Of all of the teenagers, Chase Stein undergoes the largest transformation of the group. On the page he’s a bit more of a reckless and hot-tempered stoner with signature long blonde locks. With former Disney heart-throb, Gregg Sulkin, taking on the role his characterization changes a lot as well.
Now, he’s a well-built lacrosse player whose popularity and poor grades earn him the title of “dumb jock.” Despite the effort being put into his looks above, Stein can be seen in the first episode working on the invention of his “signature gauntlets” which hints at a potential engineering prodigy. Of course, on Runaways, his biggest problem will be handling his abusive father (played by Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s James Marsters) and his complicit mother.
Karolina Dean, the resident alien. But, she’s more than that.
Photo Credit: Hulu
The beautiful alien on Runaways, Virginia Gardner expertly catches Karolina Dean’s inner turmoil before she even discovers her heritage. Daughter of two famous Hollywood actors, she suffers from constant spotlight and a desire to follow her own desires.
With Chase’s parents and Gert’s desire to help people, it would be easy to write her off as superficial but she comes off as extremely empathetic and lonely instead. Her signature medical band can be seen on her wrist above, and comic book readers will now that it’s the source which inhibits her power.
Also worth mentioning, her look of shock starting at her phone as well as all of the kids in the background on theirs’, it looks like she’s just received some shocking news.
Photon Credit: Hulu
Nico Minoru: A Goth and a Wiccan. She’s got some serious power.
What is Nico Minoru up to? Based on the picture above, the gothic loner is trying her hand at a spell or a ritual. She’s alone therefore this probably takes place before the team assembles and her lack of staff hints that this could be the scene where she summons it for the first time.
Lyrica Okano brings an intensity to the character and thankfully announced that the staff would not appear due to self-harm like in the books. It would make sense then for her to have a ritual by the fire as an alternative take on the character’s magical abilities.
Molly Hernandez might be the youngest of the group, but she’s very powerful.
Photo Credit: Hulu
Played by fourteen year old Allegra Acosta, the youngest member of the team looks incredibly happy in the picture above. Despite the hesitation some fans have over Molly not being young enough, her joyful smile in a pink room decorated with a giant rainbow seems to tell a different story.
Similar to Chase, she gets a much different back story in order for the character to even be used on the show. In the books, she’s a very powerful mutant who is born to parents that are equally strong. However, Marvel doesn’t own the rights to mutants so now she’s just a mysteriously powered girl with no mention of her birth parents.
If Disney does end up buying Twentieth Century Fox then maybe they’ll make an appearance later in the show but for now just expect for her story to be tweaked a little bit.
Photo Credit: Hulu
A look at he bag guys, the Pride.
What would Runaways be without the pack of villainous parents? The Pride has clearly converged for a meeting based on their glares of being interrupted and the model of a building on the table in front of them.
The outline of the teenager walking in is Alex, and not even his parents look happy to see him enter the room. Looks like they’ll start the show with their nefarious planning right away rather than attempt to hide it under their kids’ noses for long.
And here’s the good guys: The Runaways!
Photo Credit: Hulu
Finally, a group shot of the burgeoning superhero team. Based on the small model still left on the table along with leftover food and champagne, the kids have stumbled into something they shouldn’t have.
Their shocked faces make it clear they’re seeing something they’re not supposed to. Is this where they walk in on the Pride murdering a young girl or a different nefarious act committed by their parents? One thing is for sure, whatever it is that they see is bound to unite the group forever.
We want to hear from you: What do you think of this first look at Marvel’s Runaways on Hulu? Let’s discuss in the comments below.
Next: A Spoiler-Free Review of the Marvel’s Runaways Pilot
Runaways premieres on Hulu on November 21, with a 10 episode slate.