THE RUNAWAYS SEE TELEVISION
THEIR PARENTS really are the worst. Hulu’s new comic book-based series, “Marvel’s Runaways,” which premieres its first three episodes Tuesday, tackles rebellious, moody teens who face off against a mysterious cult of supervillains — who also happen to be their wealthy parents. Unlike other shows in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Runaways” is more of a family drama. Where Netflix shows like “Jessica Jones” and “Daredevil” are full of fists, fighting and foul language — and ABC’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and “Inhumans” deal with adult superhuman team-ups — “Runaways” centers on teens who discover their parents are evil.
In the wake of an unexplained tragedy involving a member of the group, the former childhood friends realize they must reunite — with their burgeoning superpowers — to save the world from their folks.
“I think the show highlights that even if your biological family aren’t the best, there will always be other people in the universe that will love you, fight for you and protect you, if you are willing to do the same,” says Gregg Sulkin, 25, who stars as Chase Stein, a rich jock and tech genius.
The first episode of “Runaways” contains the tropes you’d expect from a teen drama: parent/child arguments, cyberbullying and a raging party. Ever Carradine, who plays Chase’s “perfect” PTA mom Janet Stein, says the show balances the perspectives of the adults and the teens.
“I think what [showrunners] Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage do so well is teens and parents and the complexity of those relationships,” Carradine, 43, said of the duo who together executive produced “The O.C.” and “Gossip Girl,” as well as this year’s “Dynasty” reboot.
“I don’t think our show is just a teen show,” Sulkin adds. “I think it appeals to a much larger audience. We have a wonderful and experienced adult cast, who add a certain gravitas and edge.”