Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra—the highly anticipated action-adventure game from Skydance New Media—has officially been delayed until early 2026. While originally slated for a 2025 release, the studio announced on May 13, 2025, that more development time is needed to refine the ambitious title and deliver what they promise will be a truly “cinematic gaming experience.”
And from everything we’ve seen so far, that claim isn’t just marketing hype.
A Groundbreaking Marvel Crossover Set in WWII
Unlike typical Marvel games that stick to modern-day settings or sprawling multiverse scenarios, Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra transports players to the gritty, war-torn landscapes of World War II. The game tells an original story inspired in part by the 2010 comic Captain America / Black Panther: Flags of Our Fathers, but with a unique spin: an uneasy alliance between Steve Rogers (Captain America) and Azzuri, the grandfather of T’Challa and the Black Panther of the 1940s.
This fresh pairing offers more than just superhero spectacle—it introduces moral and political tension. Wakanda is still largely isolated during this time, while the U.S. is in the thick of global war. The clash in ideologies between Captain America and Black Panther brings an undercurrent of depth that’s rarely explored in superhero games.
Four Playable Heroes, One Unified Fight Against Hydra
Skydance is putting players in control of four different characters, each with a distinct role:
- Captain America (Steve Rogers): The familiar super-soldier fighting on behalf of the Allies.
- Azzuri (Black Panther): A strategic, ferocious protector of Wakanda with deeply held beliefs about staying hidden from the world.
- Gabriel Jones: A member of the Howling Commandos, adding a boots-on-the-ground military angle.
- Nanali: A Wakandan spy operating covertly in Occupied Paris, offering stealth and subterfuge gameplay mechanics.
Rather than a drop-in/drop-out multiplayer experience, this will be a single-player narrative-driven title where the perspective shifts depending on the story beat—similar in style to The Last of Us Part II or Red Dead Redemption 2.
Unreal Engine 5 and a Cinematic Vision
From a technical standpoint, the game is one of the first Marvel titles being built in Unreal Engine 5, which allows for cutting-edge lighting, lifelike environments, and facial animations that rival big-budget movies. Early footage reveals stunning renderings of war-torn Paris, eerie Hydra bunkers, and intricately detailed Wakandan tech—all with a dark, moody palette that mirrors the tone of the conflict.
The team behind the project includes industry veterans who have worked on titles like God of War, Uncharted, and Call of Duty. Leading the studio is Amy Hennig, best known as the creative force behind the Uncharted series. Her involvement is a huge reason fans have faith this will be a premium story-first experience.
The voice cast is equally notable:
- Drew Moerlein as Captain America
- Khary Payton as Black Panther
- Marque Richardson as Gabriel Jones
- Megalyn Echikunwoke as Nanali
- Stephen Barton, composer of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is creating the original score
Why the Delay Might Be a Blessing in Disguise
Delays are never fun, but they’re often necessary—especially for narrative-focused games where polish and pacing matter more than anything. Skydance has made it clear that their goal is to avoid the pitfalls of half-finished AAA games that launch too early. Considering how ambitious the project is, a few more months could mean the difference between a good game and a landmark one.
Given the pedigree of the studio, the unique historical setting, and the Marvel-meets-WWII premise, Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra has the potential to break new ground—not just as a superhero game, but as a wartime epic that blends spectacle with soul.
For now, 2026 can’t come soon enough.
Key Takeaways
- Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is a World War II-era game featuring Captain America and Black Panther
- The game combines historical settings with Marvel superhero action
- Players can expect an original story with a diverse cast of characters in 2025
Historical Context and Setting
“Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra” unfolds against the backdrop of World War II, a pivotal era that shaped global politics and society. The game explores the origins of Hydra within the tumultuous landscape of 1940s Europe.
Wartime Background
World War II raged across Europe in 1943. Allied forces battled against the Axis powers, with major conflicts unfolding on multiple fronts. The United States had entered the war, bringing new resources and manpower to the Allied cause.
Occupied Paris served as a key setting in the game. Nazi forces controlled the city, imposing harsh restrictions on its citizens. The French Resistance operated in secret, working to undermine German authority and gather intelligence for the Allies.
Meanwhile, the fictional nation of Wakanda remained isolated from the global conflict. Its advanced technology and vibranium resources were unknown to the outside world.
Rise of Hydra
Hydra emerged as a sinister organization during this chaotic period. The group operated in the shadows, seeking to exploit the war for its own gain. Hydra recruited scientists and operatives from various nations, building a network of spies and saboteurs.
The organization’s goals went beyond mere conquest. Hydra aimed to reshape the world order, viewing the war as an opportunity to seize power. Their activities ranged from weapons development to infiltrating key institutions.
Hydra’s influence spread rapidly, posing a threat that rivaled or even surpassed that of the Axis powers. This set the stage for confrontations with Allied heroes like Captain America.
Main Characters and Casting
Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra features a star-studded cast portraying iconic characters from Marvel Comics. The game centers around four playable heroes, each bringing unique abilities and perspectives to the World War II-era storyline.
Steve Rogers/Captain America
Drew Moerlein takes on the role of Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America. As the super-soldier created by the U.S. government, Rogers leads the fight against Hydra. Moerlein’s portrayal captures Rogers’ unwavering sense of justice and leadership skills.
Captain America’s shield-wielding combat style and tactical prowess make him a formidable player character. The game explores Rogers’ early days as Captain America, showcasing his growth into the legendary hero fans know today.
Azzuri/Black Panther
Khary Payton voices Azzuri, the Black Panther of the 1940s and grandfather of T’Challa. As the ruler of Wakanda, Azzuri brings advanced technology and centuries of wisdom to the fight against Hydra.
Payton’s performance highlights Azzuri’s royal bearing and fierce protectiveness of his people. Players will experience the unique fighting style of the Black Panther, blending Wakandan martial arts with vibranium-enhanced gear.
Gabriel Jones and the Howling Commandos
Marque Richardson portrays Gabriel Jones, a skilled communications expert and member of the Howling Commandos. Jones plays a crucial role in coordinating the team’s efforts against Hydra.
The Howling Commandos, Captain America’s elite combat unit, feature prominently in the game. Players will interact with these diverse soldiers, each bringing unique skills to missions.
Key Supporting Figures
Megalyn Echikunwoke joins the cast as an unnamed character, likely to play a significant role in the story. Howard Stark, father of Tony Stark, appears as a supporting character, providing technological support to the heroes.
The game’s storyline weaves these characters together in a complex narrative. Players can expect to encounter other historical figures and Marvel characters as they uncover Hydra’s plans and fight to save the world.
Gameplay and Development
Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra blends action-adventure gameplay with a rich historical setting. The game showcases innovative mechanics and cutting-edge technology to bring its World War II-era story to life.
Game Mechanics and Features
Players control a team of four heroes in Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra. The game features single-player action-adventure gameplay. Each character has unique abilities and skills:
- Captain America uses his shield for both offense and defense
- Black Panther employs stealth and agility
- Gabriel Jones wields firearms and tactical knowledge
- Nanali, a Wakandan spy, utilizes advanced technology
Combat combines melee attacks, ranged weapons, and special powers. Players can switch between characters to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. The game encourages strategic thinking and teamwork.
Missions take place in occupied Paris during World War II. Players explore detailed historical locations while battling Hydra forces. The game balances action sequences with narrative-driven moments to unfold its original story.
Development Process and Tech
Skydance New Media, led by Amy Hennig, is developing Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra. The team chose Unreal Engine 5 as the game’s development platform. This decision allows for:
- Photorealistic graphics
- Advanced lighting and particle effects
- Improved character animations
The developers showcased early gameplay footage at the State of Unreal event during the Game Developers Conference. They highlighted the use of Unreal Engine 5.4 features to create immersive environments and lifelike characters.
The game’s development focuses on blending historical accuracy with Marvel’s superhero elements. Research into 1940s Paris and World War II history informs the game’s setting and storyline. The team collaborates closely with Marvel to ensure faithful representations of iconic characters.
Narrative Elements and Themes
Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra weaves a complex story set against the backdrop of World War II. The game explores themes of unlikely partnerships and covert operations in occupied territory.
Wakandan Spy Network
The inclusion of a Wakandan spy network adds depth to the game’s narrative. Nanali, a Wakandan spy embedded in Occupied Paris, plays a crucial role. Her presence highlights Wakanda’s global reach and involvement in world affairs during the 1940s.
Nanali’s character offers players insight into Wakandan intelligence operations. She likely provides unique perspectives on the conflict and valuable information to the team. The spy network may utilize advanced Wakandan technology, giving players access to powerful tools and abilities.
This element ties into the broader Marvel universe, expanding on Wakanda’s history before it was widely known to the outside world.
Uneasy Alliance and Common Enemy
The game centers on an uneasy alliance between Captain America and Azzuri, the 1940s Black Panther. Their partnership forms the core of the narrative, exploring themes of trust and cooperation across cultural divides.
The characters must overcome their differences to face a common enemy. This storyline allows for character development and conflict resolution as the heroes learn to work together.
The “sinister plot” they confront likely involves Hydra, given the game’s title. This threat serves as a catalyst for the alliance, pushing the characters to unite despite their initial reservations.
Gabriel Jones of the Howling Commandos joins the team, adding another layer to the group dynamics. His inclusion ties the story more closely to established Captain America lore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is an upcoming action-adventure game set during World War II. It features iconic Marvel characters in a unique historical setting.
When was Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra released?
Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra has not been released yet. The game was announced on March 20, 2024, during the State of Unreal presentation at GDC 2024. An official release date has not been announced.
What platforms is Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra available on?
The specific platforms for Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra have not been confirmed. More information about platform availability is expected to be revealed as the game’s development progresses.
Who are the primary characters in Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra?
The main characters in Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra include:
- Captain America (Steve Rogers)
- Azzuri, the Black Panther of the 1940s
- Gabriel Jones of the Howling Commandos
- Nanali, a Wakandan spy
These characters form an alliance to face a common enemy during World War II.
Does Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra feature an open world gameplay experience?
Details about the game’s world structure have not been officially confirmed. More information about the gameplay style and world design is likely to be revealed as development continues.
Can you provide an overview of the gameplay for Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra?
Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is described as an action-adventure game. Players will likely control multiple characters, including Captain America and Black Panther. The game is set in Occupied Paris during World War II.
Full gameplay details are still limited. The developers aim to create an experience that feels like playing through a movie while maintaining player agency.
Where can I find the official trailer for Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra?
The story trailer for Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra was released on March 20, 2024. It can likely be found on official Marvel social media channels, gaming news websites, and video platforms like YouTube.
Check the official Marvel Games website or social media accounts for the most up-to-date information and trailers.
