Impulse (TV series)
| Impulse | |
|---|---|
 Official series logo | |
| Genre | |
| Created by | Freddie Goodwin |
| Based on | Characters by DC Comics |
| Developed by | Victoria Chase |
| Directed by | Freddie Goodwin |
| Starring | |
| Theme music composer | |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 9 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer |
|
| Producers |
|
| Cinematography | Sara Case |
| Editor | |
| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 30–50 minutes |
| Production company | Mob Productions |
| Original release | |
| Network | Disney+ |
| Release | September 10, 2024 – present |
| Related | |
Impulse is an American television miniseries created by Freddie Goodwin for the streaming service ScreenFlix, based on the DC Comics character Bart Allen / Impulse. It is the 1st television series in the Mob Cinematic Universe (MCU) produced by Mob Productions, via its Mob Television label, sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. Goodwin serves as showrunner and lead director.
By September 2021, Mob Productions was developing a limited series starring Jordan Fisher as Bart Allen / Impulse, with a focus on introducing him as a "big hero" within the MCU. The first 5 episodes were completed by July 2022 and the series began being filmed in early October 2023. Filming concluded in March 2024. Impulse premiered on September 10, 2024 on Disney+ with a new episode each week for nine weeks and officially concluded on November 12, 2024. A second season was confirmed on July 1, 2025 and is scheduled to premiere on September 20, 2025.
Premise[edit | edit source]
When teenage speedster Bart Allen crashes into the present from a fractured future, he brings with him a warning of a multiversal collapse orchestrated by the mysterious Doctor Doom. Struggling to control his unstable powers, Bart teams up with Gotham's Tim Drake and a reluctant Barry Allen to unravel Doom’s plan and prevent the timeline from imploding.
Cast and characters[edit | edit source]
Episodes[edit | edit source]
Production[edit | edit source]
Development[edit | edit source]
When Freddie Goodwin was discussing the plan for the entire timeline regarding the Mob Cinematic Universe, he explored multiple ways to tell a "good and fulfilling" story. Goodwin believed that the studio had a greater chance of reaching a peak of success by releasing both feature films and television series for the streaming service Disney+. This strategic move was aimed at creating a cohesive and expansive narrative universe. Actors who appear in MCU films could seamlessly appear in any series as their respective roles, providing continuity and a deeper connection for the audience. Goodwin, whilst feeling overwhelmed by the scale of the project, decided to integrate DC Comics characters into the MCU through their seasons of television series. He felt this approach would be easier and more manageable, allowing for a fresh and exciting crossover of characters.
Each series for Disney+ was expected to consist of 6 episodes, with a firm policy that no series would get more episodes beyond this limit. This decision was made to ensure concise and tightly woven storylines. Goodwin and Mark Rogueson ultimately decided to use the head writer approach instead of giving each series a traditional showrunner. This was due to their intention of not doing multiple seasons of one series, except in cases where a series performs extremely well in viewership. This approach allowed for a more streamlined and focused creative process. Goodwin held multiple Q&A sessions throughout 2022 and 2023, revealing all the necessary information for viewers around the world to enjoy MCU television series. He stated that the series would be exclusive to Disney+ and would not be available for purchase on disk or other digital platforms, such as YouTube. Goodwin cited that this exclusivity would ensure fans see all the content for one price, creating a centralized and premium viewing experience.
By November 2022, Goodwin was approached by Victoria Chase, who had an idea for a story to tell within the MCU. However, the pitch wasn't "to the standards" according to Goodwin. Despite the initial rejection of her pitch, Chase was hired for the role of making a series because Goodwin felt she had the potential to do great work on it. During their discussions, Chase proposed focusing on the son of an upcoming major character within the MCU, an idea that Goodwin found appealing. Following various meetings, Chase began developing a series based on the DC Comics character Bart Allen, also known as Impulse. She decided to simply call the series "Impulse." The series and its title were officially announced in February 2023.
Chase chose to write all nine episodes of the series herself, demonstrating her commitment and vision for the project. Meanwhile, Goodwin took on the role of directing all the episodes, ensuring a consistent and unified creative direction. In discussing the number of episodes, Goodwin stated that he believed the budget wouldn't work for a traditional 13 or 16 episode season. However, he was confident that the series would succeed with a 9-episode order, allowing for a more focused and financially viable production. This strategic decision was made to balance quality and budget, ultimately aiming to deliver a compelling and well-executed series within the constraints of their resources.
Writing[edit | edit source]
Inception and structure[edit | edit source]
When writing the series, Chase took inspiration from the 2014 series The Flash and believed she could perfect the format in 9 episodes instead of 22 episodes. Chase felt that a shorter format would allow for a more concise and impactful narrative, avoiding the filler content often found in longer seasons. Before writing the series began, Mob Productions gave her a comprehensive file containing all the "wanted" storylines from the comics. This file was a treasure trove of potential plot points, characters, and arcs, though she had the creative freedom to choose one storyline, combine multiple elements, or use them all. One of the comics included was Infinite Crisis, a major storyline that served as a sequel to the seminal Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline. Recognizing its potential, Chase chose to have this particular storyline be slightly adapted in her series. In discussing why she opted not to adapt it entirely, she revealed that the project would be much bigger than Crisis on Infinite Earths (2025) will be. This was due to the fact that all characters in her series are from one cohesive world and universe, creating a more interconnected and expansive narrative. Planning the storyline, according to Chase, was the "easy" part. She believed that the real challenge lay in writing the scripts, which she considered the "difficult" aspect due to the complexities of character development, dialogue, and pacing required to bring the ambitious story to life.
Characters and universe[edit | edit source]
In the series, the lead character is Bart Allen, whose father is the deceased Barry Allen, also known as the Flash. Barry Allen died heroically while saving Bart, an event that profoundly impacted Bart and led him to become the hero he is today. This tragic loss serves as the emotional cornerstone of Bart's character, motivating his actions and decisions throughout the series. Discussing the plan to "resurrect" a dead character, Chase said she was approached by Goodwin with a compelling proposal. Goodwin demanded that Barry Allen be "resurrected through a storyline that lasts longer than five episodes," ensuring that the resurrection would be meaningful and impactful rather than a brief plot device. This demand was taken seriously and incorporated into the development of the series. In discussing the storyline further, Chase stated that they drew significant inspiration from "The Flash: Rebirth" storyline by Geoff Johns. This particular storyline provided a rich narrative framework and thematic depth that helped shape the resurrection arc in the series, allowing them to explore complex character dynamics and emotional growth.
Casting[edit | edit source]
In 2021, it was announced that Jordan Fisher was cast as Bart Allen, also known as Impulse. Goodwin and Chase were particularly impressed by Fisher's performance in the CW's 2014 series, where he initially brought the character of Bart Allen to life, and they were eager to have him return to the role in their new series, believing his portrayal captured the essence and spirit of the character, making him the ideal choice to maintain continuity and authenticity in his performance. Fisher's previous experience and understanding of Bart Allen's nuances and personality were key factors in their decision, ensuring he could deliver a performance that would resonate with both new viewers and long-time fans. Joining Fisher in the series is Dylan Minnette, who takes on the role of Tim Drake. Minnette's casting added another layer of excitement to the project, as he is set to portray a character that is highly regarded and beloved in the comic book universe. His inclusion in the series promises to bring depth and complexity to the storyline, as Tim Drake is known for his intelligence, detective skills, and unique perspective as one of Batman's protégés. The dynamic between Fisher's Impulse and Minnette's Tim Drake is expected to be a highlight of the series, providing engaging character interactions and development. The casting of these two talented actors was seen as a significant step in building a strong ensemble for the series, aimed at delivering compelling performances and staying true to the characters' roots. Their combined experience and chemistry are anticipated to enhance the storytelling, bringing the beloved characters of Bart Allen and Tim Drake to the screen in a way that honors their comic book heritage while offering fresh and exciting interpretations.
Regarding the role of Barry Allen, Grant Gustin portrays the character once again and will only appear in flashbacks to the events of Infinite Crisis, according to Chase. Mads Mikkelsen will reprise his role as Doctor Doom from Doctor Doom (2025) and 2024's The Fantastic Four.
Design[edit | edit source]
Colors and sets[edit | edit source]
Impulse was the first production to have its digital intermediate (DI) work completed at Mob Productions' new color department, which is run by Mark Rogueson. In preparation for this innovative approach, Chase and cinematographer Sara Case began collaborating with the color department before filming commenced. Their goal was to determine the visual aesthetic and color grading for each sitcom period that the series aimed to replicate. This early collaboration allowed them to meticulously plan the look and feel of each era, ensuring that the series would authentically capture the distinctive visual styles of the various periods portrayed. By leveraging the expertise and resources of the new color department, the team was able to enhance the visual storytelling and create a more immersive experience for the audience.
Costumes[edit | edit source]
Goodwin revealed that the costumes in the series will be directly inspired by those in the comics, striving to be as close to the original comic versions as possible. This dedication to authenticity is a key aspect of the series' production, as the creative team understands the importance of faithfully translating the beloved designs from the page to the screen. Goodwin emphasized that great care and attention to detail have been invested in replicating the intricate and iconic looks of the characters, ensuring that long-time fans will recognize and appreciate the effort. The costume design process involved extensive research and collaboration between the designers, artists, and the original comic book creators. Each costume was meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the characters while also considering practical aspects for the actors. The materials, colors, and overall design were chosen to reflect the distinctive visual style of the comics, with adjustments made to enhance their appearance on screen.
In addition to staying true to the comic book aesthetics, the costume department worked closely with the series' directors and cinematographers to ensure that the costumes would look dynamic and visually striking in various lighting conditions and action sequences. This approach aimed to create a seamless blend between the characters' visual representation and the overall cinematic experience. By committing to such high standards of costume design, Goodwin and the production team aimed to create a visually immersive and authentic adaptation that would resonate with both dedicated comic book fans and new viewers. This attention to detail and respect for the source material underscored their dedication to delivering a series that honors its origins while making a memorable impact on screen.
Marketing[edit | edit source]
In 2021, Goodwin and Chase both attended D23 and revealed that they were working on a new series within the MCU. They enthusiastically stated that the series would deliver "more of what you love," promising to capture the essence and excitement that fans have come to expect from the MCU. During the event, Chase announced two cast members: Fisher and Dylan Minnette. Fisher was introduced to the stage, where he provided a spoiler-free explanation of his character's story for the series, engaging the audience with hints of what to expect. Gustin was also invited to the event, but he couldn't attend due to scheduling conflicts, much to the disappointment of the fans.
The series' official trailer was released on June 10, 2024. The trailer quickly garnered massive attention, achieving 55.7 million online views within the first 24 hours. This impressive number included 36.1 million views on YouTube, 4.9 million views on Facebook, and 10.1 million views on Instagram. This viewership was believed to be the highest number ever for a streaming service's television series trailer. Additionally, the trailer became the number two trending video on YouTube, showcasing its widespread popularity and anticipation. Earlier in 2024, the series' logo was revealed, adding to the growing excitement and setting the stage for its upcoming release.
Release[edit | edit source]
Impulse premiered on Disney+ on September 10, 2024 and concluded on November 5, 2024, finishing with 9 episodes. A second season is set to premiere on September 20, 2025, set to consist of 6 episodes. Both seasons are part of Phase One of the MCU.