Marvel Studios’ Disney Plus Shows Don’t Use Showrunners, and That Has Some TV Writers Worried
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige stood on the stage of the D23 Expo in Anaheim in 2019 to present Marvel’s inaugural slate of television series for Disney Plus — including “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” Before inviting stars Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan onto the stage with him, Feige introduced the show’s core creative team.“I would love you to meet our head writer, Malcolm Spellman, and our director, Kari Skogland,” Feige said.It was a subtle moment, easy to miss amid the spotlights and propulsive music. But Feige’s use of the title “head writer” for Spellman — rather than “showrunner” or “creator” — wasn’t just a cosmetic affectation.