For the past several years, Marvel has been dominating the movie industry, but never so much as in 2021. 2021 will see the release of multiple Marvel television shows and films as the MCU introduces its "Phase 4." Brand new characters, storylines, locations, and multiverse possibilities have been introduced.

While not dominating to quite that extent, acclaimed author Neil Gaiman has seen great success with adaptations of his work. Films Stardust and Coraline are beloved adaptations of some of his most famous books. He has also seen success with television adaptations of his books and comics, including Lucifer, American Gods, Good Omens, and the upcoming Sandman series on Netflix.

RELATED: This Twisted Theory Makes Coraline Even Darker Than You Remember

With all of that in consideration, it makes sense to wonder if adapting a collaboration between the two, Marvel 1602, would be a recipe for a success. Gaiman stated on twitter in 2019 that he had pitched an adaptation of the quirky comic book series, but was turned down. However, does that mean Marvel still views Marvel 1602 as impossible to adapt, and if so, are they right?

Marvel 1602 is a limited series eight-issue comic book published in 2003 by Marvel comics. It was written by Neil Gaiman, penciled by Andy Kubert, and digitally painted by Richard Isanove, with covers designed by artist Scott McKowen. Marvel 1602 spawned three sequel limited series: 1602: New World in 2005, Marvel 1602: Fantastick Four in 2006, and Spider-Man: 1602 in 2009. None of the sequel series were written by Gaiman, but they followed the same continuity as the original series and featured the same characters.

The series was set in an alternate timeline where Marvel heroes and villains somehow emerged in 1602, 400 years earlier than their time. The reason for this is unknown, and characters realizing something is not as it should be and uncovering the mystery of their own existence is one of the core plotlines of Marvel 1602. The series also follows adventure, action, and intrigue between the characters within the settings of 1602 Europe and America. The story features some real historical events and characters, including Queen Elizabeth I of England, her successor King James I, and Virginia Dare, the first English child born in a New World colony. Said colony, Roanoke, which is often known as the "lost colony" today, is heavily featured in the story.

Marvel 1602 features a massive line-up of Marvel characters, all recognizable while also living out quite different lives in 1602. Sir Nicholas Fury and Doctor Stephen Strange both work in the court of Queen Elizabeth, along with Fury's apprentice Peter Parquagh (Peter Parker). Natasha travels with Matthew Murdoch, a blind Irish minstrel, and David Banner (Bruce) works for King James. Rojhaz (Steve Rogers) and Donal (the alter-ego of Thor) play important roles in the story, as do The Four from the Fantastick, who gained powers when their ship encountered a vortex at sea. Their usual nemesis, Victor Von Doom, appears here as Count Otto Von Doom.

1602 versions of the X-Men also play a major role in the story. Carlos Javier (Charles Xavier), runs a "College for the Sons of Gentlefolk," which is secretly a haven for those with powers. Among others, his students include Roberto Trefusis (Iceman), Scott Summerisle, Hal McCoy, Werner (Angel), and John Grey. Magneto appears in this continuity as Grand Inquistor Enrique, a man who was forcibly baptized and inducted into the church when he was young and now leads the Spanish Inquisition. He is aided by Sister Wanda and Petros, as well as Toad.

Marvel 1602 faces many difficulties when it comes to adaptation for film or television. The first question, of course, would be why adapt this material at all? In terms of Marvel canon, it would serve as a one-off storyline whether in film or television form. While that is not inherently a problem as long as good storytelling is involved, it does make it unlikely that Marvel would prioritize it. It's also, in general, a bit of a strange story. It can be considered odd or "niche," and the historical setting and twist on the characters may be hard to sell to some audiences.

On top of the points above, Marvel 1602 would likely require a large budget. Historical settings and costumes can be expensive as well as time-intensive to make. There would have to be special effects involved, since the characters retain their powers within this universe. Finally, the series features so many major players in the MCU. The cast would be difficult to bring together for a project of this size and length, as well as expensive. The Fantastic Four and mutants are set to join the MCU in the next few years, meaning both that the project could not happen until they were established and then that even more major cast members would have to be brought together.

With that said, the Disney Plus Marvel shows have proven that Marvel is not only willing to invest in television content featuring major players in the MCU, but that these television shows can do incredibly well. WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Loki all featured major characters and sizeable budgets, with tones and styles that differ between shows and suit the characters. While each of these shows features consequences that carry forward into the greater MCU, the multiverse now being in play could make room for more contained television stories like Marvel 1602.

However, of all Disney Plus shows, it's What If...? that inspires the most faith in the possibility of a Marvel 1602 adaptation. What If...? proves that Marvel is willing to invest money, time, and marketing into an animated series, one that includes the voices of actors from the live-action movies and television shows. An animated Marvel 1602 series would make it far easier for the entire required cast of characters to be included. Animation could also help audiences accept some of the stranger aspects of the series and allow them to give the concept a chance.

Of course, this is all hypothetical, since there is no sign of Marvel 1602 being adapted any time soon. But things have changed since Gaiman mentioned his pitch for an adaptation of the series being turned down years ago. The success of Marvel's television series, the existence of Disney Plus, and the introduction of the multiverse could all make an adaptation of Marvel 1602 look more feasible.

MORE: Fans of Loki Will Love This Classic Science Fiction Series