The Disney+ and Marvel Cinematic Universe collaboration has really exploded the potential for the franchise since WANDAVISION took the streaming platform by storm. While still leaving room for more straight-forward action-comedy the likes of FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER and HAWKEYE, the service has also introduced more fun jaunts with LOKI — offering fun mystical looks at the galaxy — and more recently with MS. MARVEL with its infectious coming-of-age teen comedy format.

Now, it seems SHE-HULK is ready to break (smash?) the mold once again with a fourth-wall-breaking series that places its tongue very firmly in its cheeky verdant cheeks.

SHE-HULK smashes through that fourth wall in this series but it’s not the first time we’ve seen this in a Marvel film. DEADPOOL offered a similar approach in the Marvel Cinematic Multiverse not just as an R-rated film, but as a story that doesn’t take it’s self too seriously. Here, our titular heroine, Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany) comments frequently on the unfolding events, even turning and looking to the camera to speak to us like one cool-headed Zack Morris. After WANDAVISION, such hijinks set our brainwaves afire with connections but for now, at least, it doesn’t seem like there’s any witchcraft or chaos magic a foot here. Instead, we have another fun break from the status quo of the typical superhero blockbuster. And honestly? It’s pretty refreshing.

Lest we forget that since IRON-MAN in 2008, we’ve had a steady barrage of super after super filling our retinas on both the big and small screens so finding ways to gain new audiences — and also keep existing ones interested — is tantamount to continuing on to an eventual PHASE 7, 8, and 9 in the not-so-distant future.

That’s not to say SHE-HULK isn’t without its foibles. The pacing is a little uneven at times and some jokes fall a little flat but overall the show still manages to entrance thanks in large part to the infectious performance by Maslany. We’ve had the chance to see the first four episodes and so far the cameos are also super exciting including the already-announced humorously-reformed Emil Blonsky/Abomination (Tim Roth), mission-focused Wong (Benedict Wong) and the OG Hulk himself (Mark Ruffalo).

Aside from the very self-aware approach of the show, there’s also tons of Easter Eggs including one in the second episode when Jennifer is browsing on her computer. Eagle-eyed viewers will spot yet another reference to the impending X-MEN debut in this universe (reader, we screamed) but also something that people have been clamoring for since last year… is ANYONE going to talk about the gigantic head and hand that are now sticking out of the earth following 2021’s ETERNALS?

Perhaps to SHE-HULK’s chagrin, we also get a surprising bit of backstory on HE-HULK, filing in some of the holes on Bruce’s extra curriculars including time spent with Tony, Steve, Natasha, and the OG crew.

But ultimately this is HER show and we get the legal briefs on how Jennifer is tied into the world of supers. More importantly, we see how she gets her powers and her nickname — all while balancing an up-and-coming career as an attorney in Los Angeles.

The show welcomes a roster of additional talent including Ginger Gonzaga as a supportive BFF and colleague, Jameela Jamil as a new influencer/baddie, plus Josh Segarra, Jon Bass and Renée Elise Goldsberry. With nine total episodes to take in, we’re excited for a fun escape to Los Angeles.

See it for Yourself

SHE-HULK: ATTORNEY AT LAW debuts exclusively on Disney+ August 17, 2022.