MCU's Phase 4 Is Coming

This may come as a shock to some, but the MCU is far from being over. The vintage feeling of the first three phases of the MCU (Infinity Saga) may never be replicated, but there are many more characters and stories at Marvel's disposal to bring to both the big and small screens. Marvel Studios wanted to make sure that fans did not forget that fact by releasing an exciting sizzle reel to build anticipation for the MCU's... ⬇️

In the video below (titled "Marvel Studios Celebrates The Movies"), Marvel Studios made it a point to reflect on the first three phases of movies. There has been a lot of discussion, spanning from general fans to hardcore fans, that the MCU can never be as good as the 11 year journey from Iron Man (2008) to Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019). I can not argue against the subjective experience of living through such a momentous cinematic advancement of this successful shared universe, but in regards to the characters/stories that are yet to hit the screen, that is too bold a judgment. Of Marvel's four biggest properties, the first three phases only included one full-time (The Avengers) and one on a loan (Spider-Man). That still leaves the recently acquired Fantastic Four and, my favorite of the bunch, the X-Men to fill the MCU with some of Marvel's most popular heroes and villains. Even without those newer properties, Marvel Studios still has a lot to expand on with properties that are newer but already established in their universe. Those types of stories are what makes up the majority of Phase 4.

From the teaser video, what I suspect is the entire cinematic Phase 4 was laid out with official titles and release dates. If there is anything we have learned over the past year or so, it is that release dates are absolutely subject to change, but I will hope that movie releases hit some sense of normalcy sooner than later.

2021

Black Widow (7.9.21)

This movie has been given so much grief since its announcement. Following the COVID-related movie delays, I think this is the perfect movie to introduce the next phase. It follows a well-known character and is likely to draw a good deal of the general audience simply based on familiarity, than say Shang-Chi might. The trailers look great and I am ready for another action/spy Marvel movie.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (9.3.21)

I am not familiar with Shang-Chi much at all and, thus, do not have a great amount of hype for this movie outside of the excitement for a kung-fu Marvel movie. I like the slight change to the ten rings themselves that was indicated in the trailer, with them transitioning from finger rings to wrist bands and is more aesthetically pleasing if anything. The fight choreography is the most important aspect of this film to me and, so far, it looks really good.

The Eternals (11.5.21)

We got the tiniest of tastes from a few clips of the third MCU film getting released this year. Gemma Chan, playing Sersi, provides the voiceover as the unofficial lead of the movie. She cites "When you love something you fight for it" and "We're the ones who changed everything". Without knowing more of the plot, it is difficult to guess how those phrases fit the core of the movie, but it goes without saying that the history of these characters alone could change the entire landscape of the MCU.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (12.17.21)

It is so hard to talk about this movie with all of the speculation, assumptions, and rumors that have surrounded this film. Questions of wether there will be other Spider-Men, multiple dimensions, or even Daredevil will have to wait until the trailer (not likely to be released until the fall) and the movie itself. What we do know, though, is Peter Parker will have to deal with his identity being revealed to the world.

2022

Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness (3.25.22)

This is likely my most anticipated film from the Phase 4 slate and can really propel the MCU into a world of infinite possibilities. Leaning into the multiverse means that anything can happen and nothing is off the table, and my hope is that this movie will engulf the MCU with new surprises. Plus, Sam Raimi and a Marvel horror-like movie sounds like a match made in multiversal heaven.

Thor: Love and Thunder (5.6.22)

The debut of Gorr the God Butcher is the most intriguing news have regarding this movie. I am sure plenty of people will be excited for Jane Foster to take the mantle of Thor, but Christian Bale as a villain with purpose will turn heads. My biggest concern is that having someone with such a high profile as Christian Bale will lead to Gorr inevitably being a one-movie wonder.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (7.8.22)

It would be very hard for any movie to have a louder sounding title than "Wakanda Forever". Regardless of your personal opinions about how the movie and role of Black Panther should be handled, there is no denying that Ryan Coogler and co. have a mountain of exceeding expectations to climb. I do wonder, though, if the circumstances will lead to this film being even more unifying than its predecessor.

The Marvels (11.11.22)

Following the recent Disney Investors Call at the end of 2020, we knew that Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel would be appearing in the movie in some way. This title confirms that she will be much more than an extended cameo and will have a prominent role, considering her logo makes the "S" in the title. I am in the minority that liked the first Captain Marvel movie and the continued introduction of younger heroes is an exciting prospect to the longevity of the MCU.

2023

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2.17.23)

There are a lot of signs pointing to the emergence of Kang the Conqueror as the next big bad of the MCU. Should that be the case, as much as I love Rudd's Ant-Man, it is odd that this very fun sounding movie would be chosen to set the stage for that level of villain. It makes given the material, though, and I am curious as to whether Marvel will follow a similar structure to world-ending threats as in the Infinity Saga or if they will not wait as long for the bigger battles.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (5.5.23)

The first was one of the MCU's best films. The second was one of their worst. We will see where this one lands. No news about this one, but I can only imagine that finding Gamora will be an underlying plot for the story.

TBD

The Fantastic Four (TBD)

How interesting it was that Marvel slipped the F4 logo in at the end. Will this be the film that closes out Phase 4? Or could it just be teasing the film and it will be set to begin Phase 5? My interest in how Marvel Studios will manage "big bads" or if they even continue separating their villains in such a way, stems from the introduction of the Fantastic Four (and eventually the X-Men). These universes open the door for so many new characters and I wonder how F4 could be used to set up major villains such as Doom or Galactus. It was the end of Phase 1 that saw the first tease of Thanos. Could F4 fill that same role? It would feel odd and maybe to jam-packed if Kang is meant to serve a large role.

No matter what happens, Phase 4 is sure to be just as thrilling as the rest, with so many possibilities offered it that Phase 1 did not have. It will not feel the same without Cap or Tony, but it does not have to. It can still feel grand and adventurous. All of these characters, both new and old, like Stan said in his voiceover will be "family".

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WHICH UPCOMING MCU MOVIE ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR?