A new featurette for Echo takes a look at Maya Lopez’s Choctaw history and legacy ahead of the series’ arrival on Disney+ and Hulu on January 9, 2024. The arrival of Echo sees Maya returning home to Oklahoma and the Choctaw Nation. This is in contrast to New York City, where she was last seen.
The reasoning behind this is that Maya is Choctaw and this series will highlight some of the Choctaw culture and history during its five-episode streaming event. During this, she is forced to face her family, legacy, and heritage. Throughout production and post-production, Echo filmmakers worked closely with the Choctaw Nation throughout every step to make sure there was accurate on-screen portrayals. Director and Executive Producer Sydney Freeland shares in this new featurette, “It was a collaboration in every sense of the word.” Watch the featurette below.
Alaqua Cox, who is Native American herself and Deaf, explained “This is our chance to uplift indigenous voices, and let the world know we’re still here.” She returns as Maya Lopez, a role she originated in Hawkeye.
Throughout filming and post-production, the creative team for Echo worked with the Choctaw Nation. Seth Fairchild, the Executive Director of Culture – Choctaw Foundation said, “If we’re true to who we are as Choctaw people, this will be successful.” This will include dubbing all five episodes of the series into the Choctaw language. They will be available when the series debuts on Disney+ and Hulu. “I just can’t believe that the Native American community can have a Native American Super Hero,” Cox continued.
Along with Alaqua Cox, Echo stars Chaske Spencer (Wild Indian, The English), Graham Greene (1883, Goliath), Tantoo Cardinal (Killers of the Flower Moon, Stumptown), Devery Jacobs (FX’s Reservation Dogs, American Gods), Zahn McClarnon (Dark Winds, FX’s Reservation Dogs), Cody Lightning (Hey, Viktor!, Four Sheets to the Wind) and Vincent D’Onofrio (Hawkeye, Godfather of Harlem).
Episodes of the series are directed by Sydney Freeland (Navajo) and Catriona McKenzie (Gunaikurnai). Executive producers are Kevin Feige, Stephen Broussard, Louis D’Esposito, Brad Winderbaum, Victoria Alonso, Richie Palmer, Jason Gavin (Blackfeet), Marion Dayre and Sydney Freeland. Co-executive producers are Jennifer L. Booth and Amy Rardin.
What do you think of this featurette? Are you looking forward to seeing Echo on January 9th on Disney+ and Hulu? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
