The Marvel movies have become one of the most successful movie franchises ever. It all started in 2008 with the first Iron Man movie. Marvel Studios decided to make all their movies and characters part of the same continuing story. They called this the Marvel Cinematic Universe or MCU.
The biggest story they told was called the Infinity Saga. It combined 23 movies over 11 years leading up to Avengers: Endgame in 2019. These movies introduced beloved characters like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, and the Guardians of the Galaxy. One big villain, Thanos, was trying to get all the powerful Infinity Stones. This forced the Avengers to work together to stop him from movie to movie.
Endgame wrapped up the stories of some characters. But it also set up new heroes and plots going forward. The next big story is called the Multiverse Saga. It will explore the idea of different universes existing at the same time. Movies like Spider-Man: No Way Home and Loki have shown us hints of this. They are also setting up a new main villain named Kang the Conqueror.
The Marvel movies aren’t the only part of the MCU anymore. Disney+ now has Marvel TV shows that connect to the movies too. Shows like WandaVision, Loki, and Hawkeye continue character stories and introduce new ideas. Watching the shows fills in details between the movies. Streaming allows the stories to be told over many episodes.
Over the years, the Marvel movies have successfully brought many comic book characters together in one universe. The Infinity Saga told one long epic narrative. Now the Multiverse Saga aims to do something similar with new ideas. Fans can follow the MCU across both movies and TV shows to get the full experience of the multiplying worlds. More is promised that longtime Marvel fans will enjoy.
The Evolution of the MCU: Understanding Phases
The Marvel movies tell one big story by breaking it into sections called Phases. This lets the characters and stories connect across movies in cool ways. Understanding the earlier Phases helps with the new Multiverse Saga coming up.
Phase 1 introduced heroes like Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, and Captain America. We learned how they got their powers. The character Nick Fury and group S.H.I.E.L.D. hinted the heroes would team up later. While finding its style, fans liked seeing the individual heroes working as a group in the Avengers.
Phase 2 raised the risk level while expanding the movie world. New characters joined in like Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. Guardians of the Galaxy went to space for its crazy adventures. Avengers: Age of Ultron brought the team together against a tough villain as they struggled to trust each other. Ant-Man offered something funnier to balance things out.
Phase 3 finished everything with the huge Infinity Saga. Now the stories were all connected into one long adventure. The Avengers split in Civil War but reunited against Thanos in Infinity War. Each new movie built on the last, from Spider-Man to Black Panther’s cool future world. This expert long storytelling paid off in Endgame’s epic grand finale.
Breaking the Marvel movies into Phases worked really well. It let the Avengers movies hold everything together while still having separate franchises connect. Over 23 movies, these Phases wove an amazing story like nothing before.
The Dawn of the Multiverse Saga
The new Multiverse Saga aims for even bigger stories using Phases 4 through 6. It will introduce more characters after starting with the idea of different universes. Each new Phase will build upwards to another huge finale shaking up reality.
Before, the movies focused on solo heroes and then brought them together. Now the Disney+ shows like WandaVision and Loki tie directly into the movies, expanding the world. New heroes like Moon Knight and Ms. Marvel will join the older favorites in both shows and films.
Where the Infinity Saga ended with Endgame, the Multiverse Saga finishes with two new Avengers movies. Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars will unite heroes facing threats across universes. Characters people love like Daredevil and the Fantastic Four will appear too. It expands the huge Marvel Cinematic Universe into unexplored places.
After changing serialized movies, the MCU wants to go even higher. The Phases formula led to the epic payoff of Endgame. Now the Disney+ shows add depth by continuing stories over many episodes. They’ve laid the groundwork for another 10 years of all the Marvel stories connecting with surprises. Like the earlier Phases, the MCU will keep pioneering huge narratives for a long time to come.
San Diego Comic-Con 2022: Unveiling the Future of the MCU
Marvel Studios had a huge panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2022. It was one of the most exciting parts of the event. They shared big news about their plans for Phases 4, 5, and 6 of the Marvel movies and shows. Marvel revealed what’s coming next for the franchise on the big screen and Disney+.
Closing Out Phase 4
Marvel said that Phase 4 will end with the movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever coming in November 2022. Although changes thanks to the pandemic messed with their original plan, Phase 4 still had a good lineup.
It included Shang-Chi, Eternals, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. This phase brought new heroes like Moon Knight. It also started exploring the idea of different universes. While the movies didn’t always connect perfectly, Phase 4 was meant to set up future stories.
Introducing Phase 5
Now that Phase 4 is ending, Marvel showed their plans for Phase 5. It will start with the movie Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania coming in February 2023. This will introduce the powerful villain Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors.
Other Phase 5 movies include Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, The Marvels, and Blade starring Mahershala Ali. New stories like Captain America 4 with Anthony Mackie and Thunderbolts about antiheroes will begin. Phase 5 will finish with the Blade movie in September 2024.
Phase 5 also expands more on Disney+ with shows. These include Secret Invasion, Echo, Loki season 2, and Ironheart. They will continue exploring the characters more deeply across TV and movies.
The Multiverse Saga’s Epic Conclusion
The biggest news was that Phases 4-6 will make up the Multiverse Saga storyline. Just like Phases 1-3 told the Infinity Saga, this bigger story will unfold across many movies and shows. It all ends with two new Avengers films in Phase 6.
Avengers: The Kang Dynasty releases in May 2025, followed a year later by Avengers: Secret Wars in May 2026. These promise to be huge crossover events like Infinity War and Endgame, really changing the MCU. Phase 6 will also introduce the Fantastic Four to the MCU for the first time, setting up an expanded universe across many forms of media.
With this plan until 2026, Marvel showed the future remains bright after over 10 years at the top. The MCU heads into the Multiverse Saga as the long-term storytelling gets even more ambitious. It will all climax in an Avengers epic for the ages.
Exploring the Multiverse in Marvel Comics
The idea of the Marvel multiverse has been important for a long time, since the 1960s. In the comics, it meant characters could visit each other’s worlds, making unexpected teams. Events like Secret Wars smashed universes together, mixing heroes from different places. This gave writers nearly endless options to tell new stories.
Bringing the multiverse to life required making separate timelines like the Ultimate Universe or Marvel 1602. It showed heroes could exist in many different times and worlds besides the main 616 universe. Traveling between dimensions became very common. The multiverse provided unlimited potential for plot lines and became core to Marvel stories.
After focusing on one timeline for years, the MCU introduced the Multiverse in Phase 4. Movies like Loki and Spider-Man: No Way Home showed characters visiting other worlds. This gave as many options as the comics while allowing new versions of known heroes.
No Way Home featured villains from past Spider-Man movies crossing over due to a messed up spell. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness expanded on this with odd universes and characters. ‘What If…?’ brought the Multiverse to life through animation. Now the entire concept supports Phases 4-6 as the Multiverse Saga storyline.
Now that the Multiverse exists, the MCU gains the comic’s flexible storytelling. The universe contains endless tales and different versions of heroes. This lets them reboot characters like the Fantastic Four without messing with old movies. Fans may see other takes on their favorite heroes through the Multiverse.
It also allows for ambitious team-ups that weren’t possible before. Having separate universes collide raises the stakes a lot. Events like Secret Wars with realities at risk can happen fully realized. The MCU can now adapt landmark comic stories properly.
Plus, the Multiverse means non-MCU Marvel characters owned elsewhere can return. Hugh Jackman playing Wolverine in Deadpool 3 shows this potential. The Multiverse makes space for every prior Marvel adaptation under one label.
With the Multiverse Saga coming, the MCU’s possibilities are vast. Changing and joining heroes through different worlds allows intriguing plots. After over 10 years, the franchise can feel new and surprising again.
The Multiverse gives them an endless space to play that lets any Marvel comic inspire stories. Now that the main timeline is complete, it brings limitless potential for the future. The story options are as boundless as the universes themselves.
Upcoming Marvel Phase 5 and 6 Movies
Phase 5 of the Marvel movies and shows will keep growing the connected superhero world on both the big screen and Disney+. Movies like The Marvels and Blade will give exciting new adventures with characters people love.
New Marvel Phase 5 Movies
The coming Phase 5 movies will add interesting new Marvel titles. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania took viewers into the quantum realm and brought in the dangerous villain Kang the Conqueror. Blade will bring the famous vampire hunter to the MCU for the first time, letting them try scary stories.
Phase 5 also gives more to Captain Marvel and Black Panther’s tales with expected sequels. Along with these new plots, people will probably see more of Thor, Spider-Man, and the Avengers in future movies. Now that Phase 4 set things up, these films will take the MCU into unexplored places.
Deadpool 3
Deadpool 3 will bring the funny Merc with a Mouth into the MCU. Ryan Reynolds will return as Wade Wilson along with Hugh Jackman back as Wolverine. Details on the plot are unknown but expect Wade to break the fourth wall and poke fun at joining Disney. Shawn Levy is directing.
Along with Reynolds and Jackman, Morena Baccarin will play Vanessa again with other past Deadpool stars possibly appearing. New villains and mutants could show up as the movie expands X-Men in the MCU. Fans hope for cameo roles from elsewhere in the MCU too.
With the Multiverse established, Deadpool 3 won’t connect directly to past MCU events. But it brings mutant characters in with its rated R style. Future crossovers might happen but Deadpool will likely stay separate.
Deadpool 3 is set for November 23, 2024. If filming starts in 2023 as planned, it will hit that release date ending Phase 5 of the MCU before Phase 6 begins.
Captain America: New World Order
Captain America 4 continues Sam Wilson’s story as the new Captain America. In the film, he struggles with living up to Steve Rogers’ legacy. It will explore what Captain America means after everyone returned from the Blip. Sam’s loyalty will be tested by the Thunderbolts team. Anthony Mackie and Malcolm Spellman are back.
Mackie returns as Sam Wilson/Captain America. Danny Ramirez plays new Falcon Joaquin Torres. Harrison Ford debuts as Thaddeus Ross replacing the late William Hurt. Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Contessa seems to lead the anti-hero Thunderbolts as villains.
Following The Falcon and the Winter Soldier storyline, the movie keeps exploring Sam’s role in the wider MCU. Old friends like the Dora Milaje or new threats like the Power Broker could appear, like the Flag Smashers did before.
Captain America 4’s set date is July 26, 2024. Director Julius Onah and crew start filming in 2023, setting up Phase 6 of the MCU.
Thunderbolts
Thunderbolts brings together Marvel’s dangerous antiheroes for risky missions like Suicide Squad. Wyatt Russell’s U.S. Agent, Florence Pugh’s Yelena, and Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier are in the team. Their iffy morals get tested on shady jobs run by Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Contessa.
David Harbour’s Red Guardian and Hannah John-Kamen’s Ghost also star. Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross works with the government. The team tries redeeming themselves through tough missions.
Thunderbolts follows storylines from Black Widow, Falcon and the Winter Soldier and other Phase 4 films that set up these grey characters. It gives past villains redemption arcs as Contessa’s pawns. The contrast with heroes like Avengers will be important.
Thunderbolts premieres July 26, 2024. Jake Schreier directs with filming planned for 2023 to hit that date ending Phase 5.
Captain Marvel 3
Very little is known about a third Captain Marvel movie yet. It will continue Brie Larson’s cosmic adventures as Carol Danvers after passing the mantle to new heroes. Even higher stakes await her likely.
Brie Larson returns as Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel. Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel or Teyonah Parris’ Monica Rambeau may join depending on the plot. New powerful villains seem probable as threats spread.
Captain Marvel 3 continues where The Marvels left off, like loose ends with the Kree, Carol discovering herself, or Chewie’s strange signal. Ms. Marvel or Secret Invasion Disney+ shows could also tie in to Danvers’ third movie.
No release date yet but 2024 or 2025 looks probable. Crew must schedule around Larson and other Phase 5 films before production begins.
Blade
Mahershala Ali stars in the reboot of the iconic vampire hunter Blade. Details are few but he’ll likely battle the vampire underworld including characters like Dracula. More horror and violent fights fit the R-rated character.
Ali plays Eric Brooks/Blade with Delroy Lindo in a mystery role, thought to be Blade’s mentor Jamal Afari. Villains may include the Blooddrinkers, Dracula, and Deacon Frost. Ali’s seriousness grounds the supernatural story.
Blade connects potentially to Moon Knight’s Egyptian mythology on Disney+. As Marvel’s first horror film, it opens up a darker world that could cross over with characters like Werewolf by Night.
Originally set for October 2023, Blade moves to September 6, 2024. With Yann Demange directing after script delays, filming targets a 2023 start.
Upcoming Marvel Phase 6 Movies
Armor Wars
Armor Wars follows James Rhodes/War Machine dealing with Tony Stark/Iron Man’s tech falling to bad guys. The story is based on a comic but now War Machine fights to get back Stark’s weapons before trouble starts. It changed from a Disney+ show to a movie.
Don Cheadle returns as James Rhodes/War Machine from the MCU films since Iron Man 2. Walton Goggins also stars as black market dealer Sonny Burch from Ant-Man and the Wasp. It will likely have characters from Stark Industries and Iron Man’s past.
This explores Tony’s powerful stuff in the world without him after Endgame. It’s directly tied to Iron Man across the MCU. Others with his tech like Ironheart could appear. That show may connect too given similar themes.
Armor Wars doesn’t have a set date yet. Filming aims for 2023 probably meaning a late 2024 or 2025 release. But like all MCU films, delays could push it back depending on changes.
Captain America 4
Captain America 4 will continue Sam Wilson’s story as the new Captain America from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier show. Malcolm Spellman is writing about Sam’s adventures as Cap in the world after the Blip. The Thunderbolts team could be villains.
Anthony Mackie returns as Sam Wilson/Captain America. Danny Ramirez plays new Falcon Joaquin Torres back too. Scarlet Witch and US Agent may also show up. Harrison Ford takes over as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross from the late William Hurt.
As Spellman writes it, the movie directly follows the Disney+ show. It will explore Sam trying to live up to Steve Rogers while finding his own way. The Power Broker and Sharon Carter from unresolved plots could return too.
Captain America 4’s release date is May 3, 2024. Filming plans to start in 2023 after Mackie finishes Twisted Metal. With a director set, the movie looks on track to hit its date.
Thunderbolts
Thunderbolts brings together an odd team of past villains and antiheroes, like Suicide Squad, to take on risky jobs. Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier, and David Harbour’s Red Guardian lead the mix.
Wyatt Russell’s US Agent, Hannah John-Kamen’s Ghost, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus as their boss Contessa Valentina are also part of it. Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross works with the government.
They spin out of Black Widow and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Contessa seems to be forming them as an opposite to the Avengers. The movie will play with how good and bad some heroes truly are in an adventure of mystery.
Thunderbolts’ release date is May 2, 2025. Jake Schreier will direct with filming planned for 2023. But with so many characters, delays could happen based on actor availability.
Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four will bring Marvel’s iconic First Family into the MCU for the first time after past films failed. Details are few but it will likely show their origins and villains like Doctor Doom, Silver Surfer, and Galactus. This kicks off Phase 6.
No cast is announced yet but John Krasinski played Reed Richards in Doctor Strange 2. People guess actors for Sue Storm, Ben Grimm, Johnny Storm, and Doom. The four heroes’ bond will be important.
As Marvel icons, Fantastic Four opens a new cosmic part of the MCU tied to characters like the Skrulls and Galactus. Their adventures connect to past films like Endgame when they weren’t there.
Fantastic Four hits theaters July 24, 2025. Jon Watts originally directed but left in April 2022. Marvel now searches for a new director for this highly anticipated new take.
Avengers: The Kang Dynasty
Not much is known yet but Avengers: The Kang Dynasty will feature the time travel villain Kang after Ant-Man 3 introduces him. As an Avengers movie, it will unite heroes from the whole MCU against Kang’s rule. Expect reality-bending fights through time and space.
The cast is unannounced but Jonathan Majors will likely play a key role as Kang. Major heroes like Doctor Strange, Thor, Captain Marvel and Ant-Man will probably team up against Kang’s forces. Fantastic Four and mutants could join too.
This movie directly follows Ant-Man 3 and Phase 5 events. With the title being Kang Dynasty, the story may show the villain winning after beating the Avengers. It sets up Avengers: Secret Wars.
Avengers: The Kang Dynasty comes out April 29, 2026 starting Phase 6. Destin Daniel Cretton is set as director but little more is known this early on production.
Avengers: Secret Wars
Not much is known about Avengers: Secret Wars yet. It will likely close Phase 6 and the Multiverse Saga by adapting parts of the iconic comic event. The movie will probably see heroes like the Avengers team up with newcomers like Fantastic Four to stop a reality-threatening danger. Expect incredibly high stakes that shake the MCU to its core.
No official cast details yet. This will likely unite most major MCU heroes together with new mutants and others for an epic battle. Villains like Doctor Doom might play big roles too. Fans can expect the biggest character crossovers and cameos here.
Secret Wars will connect all the threads from Phases 4-6. It could even create an entirely new MCU reality moving forward.
The massive conclusion is set for May 7, 2027. Considering its huge scale, production and post-production will take a long time to realize the ambitious vision.
Shang-Chi 2
A sequel to the 2021 movie Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was announced, with Destin Daniel Cretton returning as director. No plot details are known but it will likely continue Shang-Chi’s story as a new hero facing threats. More history of the Ten Rings group will probably be shown too.
Simu Liu returns as Shang-Chi along with Awkwafina as Katy and Meng’er Zhang as Xialing, who now runs the Ten Rings. Florian Munteanu could also be back as Razor Fist. Other heroes like Amadeus Cho may appear or previous MCU actors could have cameos.
The sequel could develop the Ten Rings signal in space possibly attracting a cosmic danger. With Xialing in charge, its actions will impact the MCU. Shang-Chi joins new heroes after Endgame allowing crossovers.
No release date yet for Shang-Chi 2. With Cretton busy on Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, production may be farther off. But the first film’s success makes a continuation likely.
Spider-Man 4
Details are secret but a fourth Tom Holland Spider-Man movie is in development after No Way Home’s success. It will continue Peter Parker’s story after his identity was revealed publicly in the last film. Spider-Man will have to recover his old life.
Tom Holland is likely returning as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. Characters like Zendaya’s MJ could be back too based on the plot. New villains and allies may emerge in Peter’s next chapter.
The threequel left off with Venom showing up, so that symbiote could return. Doctor Strange and other MCU characters may appear again too. College storylines could naturally involve Phase 4 heroes.
Marvel and Sony haven’t said release dates or production plans yet. Assuming Holland’s schedule after Uncharted, 2024-2025 seems possible. But delays are definitely possible too.
Nova
Very little is known about this possible Nova movie. It would likely follow a member of the Nova Corps, the corps that protects the galaxy with energy powers. Since Xandar was destroyed in Infinity War, it could show a new Nova rising from the ashes.
No cast has been announced. The film would introduce Nova while possibly including characters like Nova Corps leaders Irani Rael and Rhomann Dey, or Glenn Close’s role from Guardians. Nova has strong ties to groups like the Guardians.
Nova could carry on cosmic stories from Guardians once that ends. With the corps gone, it has a chance to rebuild space adventures. Cosmic heroes like Captain Marvel may show up to connect it to the bigger MCU world.
As it’s early on, Nova has no release date. Based on Guardians 3, it likely won’t come before Phase 6 at earliest. But it could become an important new franchise for cosmic tales later.
Untitled Scarlett Johansson Production
At an awards show in 2021, Kevin Feige said Scarlett Johansson would make a secret Marvel movie but not star or use Black Widow. This likely comes from her bigger deal to produce for Marvel Studios with Feige.
No details on the cast were shared since it’s still a mystery. Johansson would produce only, though maybe a small part isn’t ruled out. For now, any characters or stars are just guesses.
It’s unknown how or if this connects to existing MCU stories. One idea is it involves female group A-Force since Johansson played Black Widow. But Marvel hasn’t confirmed anything yet.
No release timeline, filming start, or platform (movie or streaming) was announced. This project seems to be in very early development stages with few known facts so far.
Upcoming Marvel Phase 5 and 6 Disney+ Series
Phase 5 will expand the MCU through many new Disney+ shows tied to movies. Loki season 2 returns after that season’s ending changed reality. Echo and Ironheart introduce new superheroes. Agatha: Coven of Chaos has more chaotic witch adventures from the WandaVision character.
There are also TV shows coming in Phase 6. Along with movies, these series continue character stories and add new ideas. Streaming lets the MCU’s connected storytelling thrive across episodes in each Phase. Disney+ sets the groundwork and promises to stay important to the Marvel universe going forward based on Phase 5’s full schedule.
Untitled Okoye Series
The Okoye series will follow Danai Gurira’s Dora Milaje leader and explore her origins in Wakanda’s elite guard. As a strong Black female warrior, Okoye’s story has potential for inspiration while expanding Wakandan history.
Danai Gurira returns as Okoye along with other Dora like Florence Kasumba as Ayo. Angela Bassett may appear as Queen Ramonda. Cameos from MCU heroes could also tie into the movies.
The show connects Wakanda’s past seen in films to its present, enhancing the world. Okoye interacts with Avengers and Black Widow too, providing story possibilities.
No release date yet for Okoye on Disney+. If well liked, additional seasons could chronicle Okoye’s continued adventures.
Vision Quest
Vision Quest follows Paul Bettany’s White Vision after gaining thoughts in WandaVision. He searches to regain his feelings and true self after losing his memory. Reconnecting with friends like Wanda could help his recovery.
Bettany leads as Vision. Elizabeth Olsen may return as Wanda or Kathryn Hahn as Agatha. Others like fellow robot Victor Mancha could aid Vision. Monica Rambeau is also possible.
This directly continues Vision’s storyline from WandaVision to Endgame. Bringing him back connects plotlines and offers closure. It may impact the wider MCU too.
No release details yet as Vision Quest is still early on. Being limited, more seasons seem unlikely unless needed for Vision’s story.
Ironheart
Riri Williams builds her own advanced armor and becomes the hero Ironheart in college under Tony Stark’s shadow. She balances school with fighting villains like The Hood.
Dominique Thorne debuts as Riri/Ironheart. Anthony Ramos is foe The Hood. Riri’s friends include Jim Rash’s Dean and co-star Lyric Ross.
Riri’s connections to Tony and his legacy directly tie to past MCU events. She links to heroes like War Machine and forges her own story in the rich universe.
Ironheart will likely start on Disney+ in September 2025. If popular, Riri’s coming-of-age tale leaves room for more seasons later on.
Agatha: Coven of Chaos
Centered on Kathryn Hahn’s Agatha from WandaVision, Agatha: Coven of Chaos finds the witch settling scores with her witch group. After being trapped in suburbia, Agatha wants payback – and her magic back from Wanda. Funny and dark adventures await.
Kathryn Hahn returns as Agatha along with Emma Caulfield Ford as Dottie. Joe Locke joins in a mystery role. More witches from Agatha’s past group appear as friends or rivals. A cameo by Wanda is possible too.
Agatha directly connects back to WandaVision where we learned of her powers. Her history may link to old witch trials and Salem for supernatural threats.
Agatha releases on Disney+ in September 2024. Being limited, more seasons seem unlikely. But Agatha’s long life leaves room for other stories down the line.
Daredevil: Born Again
Charlie Cox returns as Daredevil for 18 episodes where he fights criminals alongside the return of Vincent D’Onofrio as Kingpin. It will be a gritty street-level story like the beloved Netflix series.
Cox and D’Onofrio lead as Daredevil and Fisk. Others from Netflix may come back like Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page or Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson. New villains could join too.
Born Again makes the Netflix Daredevil official in the MCU bringing back its cast and tone. Events since then impact Hell’s Kitchen for Matt Murdock.
Daredevil: Born Again starts on Disney+ in 2025. If popular, more seasons could take on comic runs like Mark Waid or Chip Zdarsky later on.
Wakanda Series
Nothing is known about the plot yet, but Ryan Coogler is making a Disney+ series set in the Marvel country Wakanda. It will explore more of the culture, history, people and heroes there. Main characters may include Okoye, Shuri or others.
Casting is unconfirmed, but Danai Gurira’s Okoye or Letitia Wright’s Shuri seem likely leads. Winston Duke as M’Baku, Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia or Angela Bassett as Ramonda could play big roles too in group stories.
The series expands the world built in the two Black Panther movies. Connections between characters are very possible. Wakanda’s tech and resources will shape future MCU events too.
No release date is set for the Untitled Wakanda Series. Multiple seasons could explore different parts of this popular comic book location.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
This animated Disney+ show serves as a prequel focused on Peter Parker’s early days in high school dealing with new Spider powers. He faces familiar villains and allies.
Tom Holland does not voice Peter. Supporting characters like Harry Osborn, Doc Ock, Norman Osborn, Chameleon, and other friends and foes of Spidey play roles.
Freshman Year directly connects to the MCU expanding on Peter’s story before Civil War. It provides backstory for Holland’s current films.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man will start on Disney+ in 2024. If popular, more seasons could follow Peter through all of high school.
Sony’s Spider-Man Universe
While Spider-Man appears in the MCU through a special deal, Sony keeps the rights to movies using other Spider-Man characters. They began making their own connected universe starting with 2018’s Venom. This aims to build a serialized world like the MCU.
Set in its own separate continuity apart from the MCU’s Earth-616, Sony’s Spider-Man Universe weaves its own stories using Marvel’s large roster of famous villains and antiheroes. With Venom’s success, Sony approved more Spidey-related films to create this connected world. Upcoming projects will cover vampire hunters, multiverse journeys, and more to broaden its horizons.
MCU Connections
Sony’s universe exists separate from the MCU but still leaves room for crossovers. Tom Holland’s Spider-Man was already in Venom’s end credits scene. With the multiverse idea, more guest roles could happen.
These films may also set up ideas that the MCU eventually uses like symbiotes or the Spider-Verse story. Kevin Feige works on Across the Spider-Verse linking the movie worlds. As fans want live-action crossovers, Sony keeps the option open through building its own connected comic book films.
Behind the Scenes: MCU Calendar Reshuffles
The Marvel movie and TV schedule is always changing, with projects moved to different dates as Marvel Studios looks over its plans. Behind these calendar changes are hard business choices and strategy tweaks.
Pandemic Impacts
The main cause of the recent changes has been the widespread effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. When movie theaters closed and filmmaking had to stop, Marvel Studios was forced to delay projects from 2020-2021.
Movies like Black Widow, Eternals, and Shang-Chi got moved further down the schedule by 6 to 12 months. Filming could not safely continue, so release dates were pushed back instead. This caused other titles to shift dates too.
Even now, pandemic concerns are still impacting projects. Blade faces more delays as the script gets reworked. With future public health unknown, Marvel doesn’t want to hurry productions. This careful path, though, keeps squeezing the schedule tighter over time.
Rebuilding Momentum
Since not much was added during the pandemic, Marvel Studios is now putting out a lot of movies and shows all at once. 2022 had Ms. Marvel, She-Hulk, Black Panther 2, and three films. This massive amount aims to regain hype after a slow period.
But later, Marvel saw that spreading things out more allows each new title to find its viewers without rushing. Recent changes spread 2023’s releases over the whole year. Staggering start dates gives every project the spotlight.
This balanced schedule will probably keep happening. After Phase 4 put a lot out quickly, Marvel wants to prevent fans getting tired of too much all at once. Finding the perfect release schedule keeps people engaged without wearing them out on the MCU.
Re-evaluating the Disney+ Strategy
Marvel Studios may have wanted too many shows for Disney+ at first. But slowing down helps keep the quality high. Ideas like Armor Wars now films instead of series shows care about strong streaming stories.
Disney CEO Bob Iger himself said “quality over quantity” will be the new focus. While successes like Loki get season 2, so-so shows may end. Iger aims to cap Marvel and Star Wars series to 8-10 “franchises” max each year.
This change hints Disney sees value in scarcity. Having fewer releases per year makes each one feel special. Pushing too much streaming could water down that and cost a lot. A more careful content plan could motivate sign ups during new show months.
Integrating Cinematic Storytelling
While Disney+ shows expand the MCU, they must tie directly into the movies’ stories. Series like WandaVision wove smoothly into films while standalone stories did not connect as strongly.
Putting streaming shows just before related movies in theaters maintains a smooth flow. For example, Ms. Marvel led to The Marvels, and Loki came before Multiverse of Madness. This makes Disney+ crucial added viewing rather than separate side stories.
When streaming integrates movie plots, it clearly makes the MCU better. This ensures quality over quantity as every title feels important. An overall storyline weaves everything together into one cohesive whole.
In the end, Marvel Studios changes its schedule to maximize quality and capitalize on synergy between mediums. As the MCU enters streaming, it is still learning the perfect mix. But strategically using Disney+ while pacing movies well will strengthen Marvel’s connected world for a long time.
Fan Theories and Speculation for the MCU’s Future
Marvel fans love thinking about what could happen next. They closely look at every little bit of movies and shows to come up with ideas. Here are some popular theories fans have about the future.
The Mutants are Coming
Since Disney bought Fox, fans have wanted mutants in the MCU. Ms. Marvel showing she has powers made fans guess more. They think Professor X in Doctor Strange 2 may set up the X-Men showing up.
Many think the Avengers changing time caused the X-gene mutation. This would bring mutants without changing the stories. It could give backgrounds for characters fans have waited to see like Cyclops, Storm, Roge, and Gambit.
Wolverine will for sure be exciting, but the MCU could stand out by putting more focus on lesser known X-Men like Sunfire or Dazzler. Now that Disney has the rights, the options are endless to refresh these icons after the Fox films.
Reed Richards’ Illuminati
When John Krasinski appeared as Reed Richards in Doctor Strange 2, fans right away guessed it hinted at Marvel’s secret group called the Illuminati. This comic book team guides things from the background with different powerful heroes.
With Professor X maybe showing up and Captain Carter there too, many believe Illuminati members teaming up is coming soon. Having characters like Mordo, Balder, and Iron Man versions shape the Multiverse would offer new ways to look at issues and complexity.
Setting up the Illuminati could lay the foundation for big comic stories like Secret Invasion coming to life. It gives an interesting new twist for the MCU formula.
A Young Avengers Team-Up
Several recent MCU stories have shown younger heroes like Kate Bishop, Kamala Khan, Kid Loki, and America Chavez. Fans think this is setting up these teens joining forces as the Young Avengers once more take on this role.
Others who might also join are Cassie Lang as Stature soon, Ironheart, and Wiccan and Speed from WandaVision, and Hulkling. With the first Avengers getting older, new heroes are needed.
Watching mentors like Hawkeye train the future provides a good story idea. A Young Avengers project could smoothly hand over the role to the new group.
More Multiversal Crossovers
Spider-Man: No Way Home amazed fans by bringing together three Peter Parkers on screen. Now fans really want more past actors to return as their comic book characters through the Multiverse.
Ideas include Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man mentoring Tom Holland, or Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool meeting Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. Fans would be thrilled if actors like Ioan Gruffudd as Mr. Fantastic or Wesley Snipes as Blade came back from their old roles. Events like Secret Wars are perfect for timelines to mix. The cameos would for sure excite fans. And that kind of excitement would really satisfy fans.
Major Deaths are Coming
Fans guess Phase 6 may show some major MCU characters meeting their end. Heroes like Tony Stark and Black Widow have passed their roles to others, opening space for new successors. People think Steve Rogers, Thor, Hulk and others could do the same.
Thor seems like he may fall bravely in a fight based on Love and Thunder’s feel. Fans believe Secret Wars could offer the perfect setting for important losses. Those endings may encourage inheritors like Jane Foster’s Mighty Thor or She-Hulk.
Phase 6’s Multiverse focus may provide both endings and new starts. Some long-time MCU players will likely fall, clearing the way for new main characters.
Glimpses of the Future Post-Phase 6
Some fans are already dreaming way ahead about what comes after Phase 6’s Multiverse Saga climax. Some predict Avengers 5 and 6 will debut the X-Men and Fantastic Four just before rebooting the whole MCU timeline.
This “reset” idea is that the movies may conclude by merging all the timelines into one new reality. This lets actors keep their roles but in refreshed stories.
Others think Marvel will work toward introducing iconic villains like Galactus or Doctor Doom as threats as big as Thanos was. Celestial beings like Adam Warlock point to possible future space adventures.
Whatever Marvel does next, the MCU likely has over 10 more years of very connected stories ahead. Fan theories will keep guessing at every small clue. But all this speculation shows how much Marvel’s storytelling means to fans.
Conclusion
The Marvel movies and shows have broken new ground over more than 10 years of deeply connected stories. Upcoming phases 5 and 6 will expand the MCU in exciting ways.
Phases 5 and 6 will introduce new heroes like the Fantastic Four and Blade. It will also advance stories for characters like Ant-Man, the Guardians, Captain Marvel and more. Movies will continue Thor, Black Panther, Captain America, and the Avengers.
Disney+ shows immerse fans in stories. Series about She-Hulk, Moon Knight and more add layers while setting up films. Everything ties together in the Multiverse Saga story. This expands the MCU with parallel worlds. From X-Men cameos to Doctor Doom’s arrival, the possibilities are endless.
Make no mistake, the MCU is entering its biggest era. After pandemic delays, Phase 5 will start the streaming future. Fans can’t wait to see where cliffhangers, Secret Wars stakes, and new phases lead. Only time will tell how pieces connect in The Multiverse Saga. But like before, the future looks bright for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes on screen. Fasten your seatbelts, True Believers – the MCU has barely begun!
