Regan Aliyah, who made her Marvel debut as Zelma Stanton in Ironheart, believes Marvel Studios may already hold the key to its next big magical franchise. In a recent interview with Inverse, she opened up about her excitement. Specifically, she shared her enthusiasm for MCU’s Strange Academy series, saying it could serve as the perfect response to the cultural void left behind by the Harry Potter franchise.
Her comments have reignited fan interest in the shelved Marvel project — and for good reason.
Why MCU’s Strange Academy Series Could Be the Next Wizarding Hit
Aliyah spoke candidly about the desire for a new magical world, saying,
“All I can say is ‘I hope so.’ Strange Academy could do something really, really cool, and tap a market that people are dying for. The reason that Harry Potter is what it is because it really takes you to a world beyond what you know. So many people wish they could support Harry Potter nowadays. They’re itching for something new that they can be super-fans of again. And in my head, Strange Academy could really fill that space.”
Her point clearly strikes a chord with many fans. In recent years, the Harry Potter legacy has become controversial due to issues surrounding its creator. Consequently, audiences have started searching for a new magical universe they can fully support. This is where MCU’s Strange Academy series shows real promise. It has the potential to deliver exactly what fans are craving — something fresh, exciting, and inclusive.
The Story Behind MCU’s Strange Academy Seriess
Originally launched as a comic series in 2020, Strange Academy was created by writer Skottie Young and artist Humberto Ramos. The story follows teenagers from across the Marvel Universe who possess magical abilities. These students come together from across the Marvel Universe. They train in the mystic arts under powerful mentors like Doctor Strange, Magik, Brother Voodoo, Scarlet Witch, and others.
Set in New Orleans, the comic combines intense magical training with relatable teen drama. As a result, it feels tailor-made for a Disney+ adaptation. It’s no wonder Marvel fans have been asking when MCU’s Strange Academy series will finally appear on screen.
Will Marvel Revisit Strange Academy?
Although early development reports suggested Marvel had shelved the series, Regan Aliyah’s recent remarks tell a different story. In fact, they suggest there’s still plenty of life in the concept. Meanwhile, fans online have echoed her enthusiasm. Many are now calling for Marvel Studios to revive MCU’s Strange Academy series, especially given its expanding supernatural slate.
The timing couldn’t be better. Doctor Strange’s role has continued to evolve after Multiverse of Madness. Because of this shift, introducing a school to train new sorcerers could offer a strong narrative foundation. It would also help shape the franchise’s mystical future.
How MCU’s Strange Academy Series Fits Marvel’s New Direction
The MCU has increasingly leaned into magical and supernatural storytelling. Phase 4 introduced Moon Knight, Werewolf by Night, Agatha All Along, and a deeper dive into alternate dimensions and dark magic. With characters like Clea and America Chavez now active in the universe, the time is ripe to explore where young magical beings are trained.
MCU’s Strange Academy series could act as a companion piece to the upcoming Agatha series, or even tie into future Doctor Strange projects. It might also offer a launchpad for introducing new heroes, similar to how Ms. Marvel set up Kamala Khan.
Introducing the Next Generation of Magical Heroes
One of the most compelling aspects of MCU’s Strange Academy series is its ability to introduce an entirely new generation of magical characters. From Emily Bright to Doyle Dormammu, these lesser-known heroes could become fan-favorites in the same way Guardians of the Galaxy or Ms. Marvel did.
Their stories — grounded in teenage experience but infused with mysticism — provide fertile ground for long-term development across multiple series and films.
If handled well, MCU’s Strange Academy series could do more than just fill a gap left by Harry Potter. It could redefine what modern fantasy looks like — a blend of Marvel’s trademark action with heartfelt coming-of-age storytelling.
Diversity, mentorship, mysticism, and heroism all converge in the Strange Academy concept. It offers something fresh yet familiar, and that’s exactly what fans are hoping for.
Could MCU’s Strange Academy Series Be Marvel’s Magical Legacy
Regan Aliyah’s comments reflect a larger hunger in the fanbase — a desire to return to magical storytelling through a new lens. With its comic book roots, compelling characters, and a setting full of untapped magical lore, MCU’s Strange Academy series could be Marvel’s next major success.
While nothing has been officially confirmed, the momentum is building. If Marvel answers the call, the world may soon find itself enchanted by a new magical school — one forged in the mystic arts, and shaped by the MCU’s ever-expanding universe.
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