Disney XD to Premiere ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN, 4/1

The epic storytelling of Marvel - full of action, adventure and humor, along with complex, courageous and aspirational characters - will be introduced to a new generation of kids and families through a dedicated programming block, Marvel Universe, premiering SUNDAY, APRIL 1 on Disney XD. The new series, "Ultimate Spider-Man," is written and guided by the most star-studded creative team in Super Hero television history, including some of the most influential names in comic books and pop culture. The programming block will also feature the second season of "The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes," and new short-form series that take viewers behind the scenes to meet the creative teams and explore the many facets of the Marvel Universe.

"The Disney XD audience will be thrilled by the excitement and energy of the newest Marvel series. Our dedicated block showcases the relatable characters that have sparked the imaginations of so many people, young and old. The Marvel Universe block's new short-form programs are made with our audience in mind, and are designed to further explore the world of Marvel for fans of all ages. From learning how to draw Marvel heroes, to seeing the real science behind the heroes' cool gadgets, devoted Marvel fans and new fans alike will find the block to be a great destination," said David Levine, Vice President and General Manager, Disney XD.

"The Marvel Universe, which is exploding in theaters, comic books, games and online, bursts onto your TV with the top talent in comics and animation, and the premiere titles Spider-Man and The Avengers! We are bringing the fun, action and adventure known to Marvel fans and families alike. In addition, the never-before-seen animated and live action shorts round out your Sunday morning of can't miss shows in the Mighty Marvel Manner!" exclaimed Jeph Loeb, Marvel's Head of TV.

Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man (who also provides the voice of Stan the Janitor in "Ultimate Spider-Man") said, "It's a thrill to see that the highest standards in story telling are so perfectly exemplified by Spider-Man leaping from the pages of the comic book onto the screen to be enjoyed by a new generation."

The amazing team made up of Marvel's Chief Creative Officer, Joe Quesada, and Marvel's Head of Television, Jeph Loeb, Supervising Producers/Writers Man of Action (Joe Kelly, Joe Casey, Steven T. Seagle & Duncan Rouleau), Creative Consultant/Writer Paul Dini ("Batman: The Animated Series," "Lost"), and Consulting Producer/Writer Brian Michael Bendis (Marvel's Ultimate Comics Spider-Man comic series), "Ultimate Spider-Man" marks firsts for one of Marvel's most popular characters the world over. In the storyline, a teenage Peter Parker (voiced by actor Drake Bell) juggles the relatable challenges of high school with the extraordinary challenges of being a Super Hero. Nick Fury (voiced by actor Chi McBride) invites Parker to train with his S.H.I.E.L.D. organization, where Peter's alter-ego, Spider-Man, will join forces with four other teenage Super Heroes - Nova, White Tiger, Power Man and Iron Fist, on the greatest action and adventure ever as they work to become Ultimate Super Heroes!

The premiere episode (11:00 a.m., EST/PST) is entitled "Great Power," and the second episode is "Great Responsibility" (11:30 a.m., EST). The premiere episodes will be available on DisneyXD.com and Comcast platforms via VOD and XfinityTV.com directly following the Sunday, April 1 premiere on Disney XD. On April 2, they will be available on Disney XD Mobile VOD available via AT&T, MetroPCS, MobiTV, Sprint and Verizon; along with iTunes, Xbox Live and Sony Playstation.