MCU Phase 4: What movies, TV series can be expected?
What's the story
When Spider-Man: Far From Home got released, we all sulked at witnessing the end of MCU Phase 3. However, our moods changed when Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) in July, announced a plethora of TV shows and movies that are being offered in MCU Phase 4. This is what we can expect from MCU now.
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Pre-production stage: 'Black Panther,' 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' 'Captain Marvel'
While confirming that sequels to Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Captain Marvel are being planned, Feige had said, "I can spend 90 minutes talking about what we've done or I can spend some time talking about what we're about to do."
Number 1
Standalone 'Black Widow' film: May 1, 2020 release
Among the first Phase 4 films getting made is a standalone one on Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson). To be directed by Cate Shortland and written by Jac Schaeffer, the film will see a May, 2020 release. Little was divulged, but a fight scene between ScarJo and Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), was shown at SDCC, through which we were informed that both are "sisters."
Number 2
'The Eternals': To mark Angelina Jolie's entry to MCU
The next in line, The Eternals, will see Hollywood sensations Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek, along with GoT star Richard Madden and Kumail Nanjiani, among others. To be released on November 6, 2020, "The Eternals (to be directed by Chloe Zhao) are a race of immortal aliens sent [to Earth] by the Celestials to protect humankind from the Deviants," Madden had said at SDCC.
Number 3
First Asian-led film: 'Shang-Chi: And Legend of the Ten Rings'
Shang-Chi: And the Legend of the Ten Rings, the third Phase 4 film, is significant for more than one reason. Firstly, it would be MCU's first release in 2021, and secondly, it'll be the studio's first Asian-led superhero movie. To be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Shang-Chi will feature Simu Liu in the titular role, with Tony Leung playing leader of the Ten Rings.
Number 4
Benedict Cumberbatch returns as Dr. Strange on May 7, 2021
Separately, Benedict Cumberbatch returns as the Sorcerer Supreme in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which might get released on May 7, 2021. To be helmed by Scott Derrickson, director of the first Doctor Strange, the film will showcase "a twist of horror that will have people gripped...We're going back to try and destroy [Doctor Strange] a bit I think," Cumberbatch had said.
Number 5
'Thor: Love and Thunder': A surprise is in store!
Probably the most exciting and the last film MCU would offer in 2021, Thor: Love and Thunder, will see Natalie Portman returning, but in a shocking way: She would be the new Thor as Mighty Thor (Say what?!). The November 6 release, to be written and directed by Taika Waititi, will also have Chris Hemsworth as God of Thunder, Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie.
Number 6
TV shows: Loki, Falcon, Winter soldier, Scarlet Witch, Vision, Hawkeye
Apart from these, web-series on some of your favorite characters are also getting made. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, a 'Fall 2020' release on Disney+, will witness Captain America teaming up with Sam Wilson, and Bucky Barnes. Then there is the Loki TV series during Spring 2021, and WandaVision, featuring Scarlet Witch and Vision. Hawkeye series is eyeing a Fall 2021 Disney+ streaming.