Marvel plans to collaborate with Israeli writers on new 'Zodiac' series draws online backlash

There is currently no indication that "Zodiac" will address Israel, the Middle East, or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Another Israeli success story in Hollywood is drawing online backlash, as Marvel is set to collaborate with two Israeli writers on a new series, with the announcement already sparking hostile reactions on social media before filming even begins.

According to a report Deadline published on Friday, Ron Leshem and Amit Cohen have been tapped to write Marvel's upcoming espionage series, Zodiac, currently in development for Disney+. However, some social media users have already declared that they will boycott the series solely because its writers are Israeli.

The announcement quickly drew criticism online, with some users attacking Marvel's decision to hire the Israeli writers. One user accused the company of prioritizing political messaging over its existing shows, writing, "You canceled the second season of Wonder Man and the future of Daredevil just to shove Zionist propaganda down our throats."

Similar reactions appeared on Reddit, where one user suggested that the involvement of Israeli writers meant the series would serve as Israeli intelligence propaganda.

"Another show going straight into the trash. Espionage and Israelis in the same series. You might as well have advertised it as Mossad propaganda," the user wrote.

Some criticize backlash as undermining new series prior to debut

Others criticized the backlash, arguing that the controversy had already undermined the possibility of discussing the series on its own merits.

"And just like that, there goes any chance of having a positive discussion about the series online," another user wrote.

Leshem and Cohen are established figures in the television industry, with a track record of creating Israeli and international productions. Leshem was among the creators of the original Israeli version of Euphoria, which later became an international hit through HBO's American adaptation starring Zendaya.

The two writers have collaborated on several television series, including The Gordin Cell, Valley of Tears, Traitor, Red Skies, and Bad Boy, as well as the international drama No Man's Land. Their experience developing security and espionage thrillers could now bring a new perspective to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

There is currently no indication that Zodiac will address Israel, the Middle East, or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Nevertheless, the writers' Israeli nationality has already become a source of controversy, despite the fact that no cast members, characters, or significant plot details have been announced.

For some viewers, even a superhero series seems to have become a political issue.