Marvel & ESPN Films Announce First Collaboration with Feature Documentary "1 of 1 - Genesis" and Short Film Series "1 of 1 - Origins"

Russell Wilson, Dwight Howard and Danica Patrick among those featured in "1 of 1 Genesis" - Available Now on Digital HD

Marvel Entertainment and ESPN Films are proud to announce the feature-length documentary "1 of 1 - Genesis" and short film series "1 of 1 - Origins," two all-new projects combining the powerful storytelling sensibilities of these two entertainment leaders for the very first time. Both the documentary and the short film series will provide viewers a unique look at some of the world's most successful athletes by mixing the award-winning non-fiction style of ESPN Films with classic Marvel comic book art, design and creative animation to truly bring a unique perspective to the journeys of these key figures.

The documentary film, "1 of 1 - Genesis," is currently available on Digital HD through select digital retailers. It explores the connections between Marvel's mightiest Super Heroes and the world's greatest athletes while attempting to answer the age-old question of nature vs. nurture: are top athletes born or created?

The "1 of 1 - Origins" short film series will launch this summer on SportsCenter and across ESPN's digital platforms simultaneously. Each short film focuses on a single athlete, all of whom have, like all Marvel Super Heroes, a defining story of the origin of their powers in their ascent to greatness in their sport.

Directed by Emmy-winning director/producer Eric Drath (30 for 30 "No Mas," Cornered: A Life Caught in the Ring), produced by Emmy-winner Dan Silver, and executive produced by Tracy McAndrew and John Cerilli, both "1 of 1 - Genesis" and "1 of 1 - Origins" contain all-new interviews with some of the top athletes in the world, including Russell Wilson, Alex Morgan, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Henrik Lundqvist, Tim Howard, Colin Kaepernick, Brandi Chastain, Danica Patrick, Cal Ripken, Jr., Albert Pujols, Tony Hawk, and Manny Pacquiao. These powerhouses are joined by notable experts, including New York Times best-selling author David Epstein ("The Sports Gene"), Professor & Psychologist Ellen Winner, and Marvel luminaries, including Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada and Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso, ESPN2's His & Hers co-hosts Michael Smith and Jemele Hill, among others.

"We at Marvel have captivated audiences with our Super Heroes for over 75 years, yet we continue to be astounded by the uncanny abilities of the world's top athletes," said John Cerilli, Vice President, Content & Programming, Marvel Digital Media Group. "Combining ESPN Films' unparalleled approach to sports filmmaking with the resonant themes and aesthetics of Marvel has allowed us to assemble a film that will astonish and amaze fans of both worlds."

"In many ways, athletes are blessed in their chosen fields with super-human 'powers' much like those of some of the great Marvel Super Heroes," said Connor Schell, VP and Executive Producer, ESPN Films and Original Content, ESPN. "Like those characters, every great athlete has the moment where they learn to harness, develop and use their unique abilities to achieve. Eric Drath and his team have done a fantastic job at capturing and bringing to life those origin stories."

For more information on the projects stay tuned to Marvel.com.

About Marvel:

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit marvel.com. � 2014 MARVEL

About ESPN Films:

Created in March 2008, ESPN Films produces high-quality films showcasing some of the most compelling stories in sports. In October 2009, ESPN Films launched its signature 30 for 30 film series, which has since won a Peabody Award, Producer's Guild Award and an Emmy Award. Inspired by ESPN's 30th Anniversary, the films that made up the series were a thoughtful and innovative reflection on the past three decades told through the lens of diverse and interesting sports fans and social commentators. The strong reaction from both critics and fans led to the launch of 30 for 30 Volume II, which is currently underway. Additional projects from ESPN Films include the critically-acclaimed Nine for IX series, SEC Storied and the Webby Award- and Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 Shorts.