2019 saw the end of Phase 3 of the MCU as well as the end of the so-called Infinity Saga. Now, in 2020, the massive superhero franchise will be entering a new stage of its storytelling with the beginning of Phase 4. With all the projects already lined up for this next phase, it’s no wonder fans are so eager to dive in.
While Phase 4 does look to be packed with exciting projects, there are also a lot of question marks. The MCU has gone through some major changes recently so the future isn’t as clear as it once was. So as we look ahead to what Marvel Studios will deliver, our feelings are a little conflicted. Here are some of the things that have us excited about Phase 4 of the MCU and some things we’re nervous about.
Can’t Wait: Black Widow Finally Goes Solo
Phase 4 will kick off with the much-anticipated Black Widow solo film with Scarlett Johansson returning to the titular role. Black Widow has been a key original member of the original Avengers lineup yet never got her chance at a solo adventure. And given how some think she was mistreated in Avengers: Endgame, now seems like the perfect time for her to get the spotlight.
The movie looks to be an action-packed spy thriller that has Natasha Romanoff returning to her homeland in a prequel adventure. It also looks to be filled with some exciting new characters with a stellar supporting cast, including David Harbour, Florence Pugh, and Rachel Weisz.
Nervous: Topping Endgame
Avengers: Endgame was the biggest superhero movie of all time and brought together virtually every single MCU character who was introduced up to that point. It also brought a satisfying end to the decade-long story as well as closure to some of the MCU’s biggest characters. So it begs the question, why continue?
While the MCU surely feels it has plenty more stories to tell, it’s unlikely anything will top Endgame in terms of its scale. Will Phase 4 feel like a step down now that the biggest story has been told?
Can’t Wait: Diversity
Diversity in Hollywood has been and continues to be a problem that needs addressing. However, there have been steps in the right direction in recent years with artists getting the chance to tell stories of underrepresented communities on a big scale. The MCU’s Black Panther is a prime example, and the MCU looks to be continuing that trend in Phase 4.
Kevin Feige has spoken about the importance of diversity in their storytelling going forward. Shang-Chi will feature a mostly Asian cast while Eternals is rumored to include gay and deaf characters. Such diversity will assuredly lead to more interesting and unique stories.
Nervous: Return Of The Mandarin
While Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will open the door for more diversity in the MCU, it will also reintroduce one of Marvel’s most controversial characters, the Mandarin. The villainous character first appeared in Iron Man 3, and many fans were displeased with the handling of the character.
However, the true Mandarin was apparently waiting to reveal himself until now as he will serve as the villain in Shang-Chi. Aside from the fact that this could just feel like awkward retconning, there are concerns about bringing such a politically incorrect character from the comic to the big screen. Hopefully, he will be handled in a graceful and respectful way.
Can’t Wait: The Eternals
One of the biggest question marks about Phase 4 of the MCU is Eternals. The group of god-like beings created by the Celestials are hardly known to anyone outside core Marvel comics fans, but their big-screen adventure sounds like one of the most exciting MCU projects to date.
Coming from acclaimed filmmaker Chloe Zhao and starring Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, and Kumail Nanjiani, the movie is said to be an epic story that spans thousands of years of the MCU. The ambitious scope is exciting, as is the possibility of all the new characters and MCU secrets that will be revealed.
Nervous: No Avengers
Fans will notice one title that is conspicuously missing from the Phase 4 line-up: an Avengers film. Since the beginning of the MCU, there has always been an Avengers title to cap off the entire phase, until now that is.
Again, following Endgame is a daunting task and it makes sense that they would want to take a breather for a little while. However, part of the fun of the MCU films is feeling like each one is another piece in building to a crossover event. Will audiences be as interested if no big event film is coming?
Can’t Wait: Exciting New Heroes
The MCU roster of heroes is already packed to the brim, but Phase 4 has a whole lot more to add to the mix and it’s a pretty exciting group of new heroes.
Eternals will not only be introducing the titular super-beings, but also the hero Black Knight, to be played by Kit Harrington. Shang-Chi is another new hero who will get his big-screen debut in Phase 4, as well as Jane Foster’s version of Thor in Thor: Love and Thunder. On the television side, fan-favorite heroes like Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel, Kate Bishop and She-Hulk will get their own series before joining to film side of the universe.
Nervous: No Tony Or Steve
As exciting as all these new heroes are, there is going to be a pretty big void to fill following the events of Endgame. Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, the two most iconic characters of the MCU, are dead and retired respectfully. Will the new heroes be able to make up for their absence?
While there are plenty of beloved characters still out there, Phase 4 will likely also see the end of Thor, Spider-Man, and Ant-Man in the MCU. New heroes like Black Panther and Captain Marvel aren’t even confirmed for Phase 4 yet. Will interest in the MCU remain until the Fantastic Four and X-Men arrive?
Can’t Wait: Bold Sequels
Though there will be no Iron Man or Captain America sequels this time around, many MCU heroes will be getting follow-ups, and it sounds like Marvel is really willing to shake up the formula.
Thor will be the first MCU hero to get a fourth solo film with Taika Waititi returning for Thor: Love and Thunder. The sequel looks to continue the reinvention of Thor with Natalie Portman’s exciting return as Jane Foster. Doctor Strange will be getting a horror-inspired sequel brilliantly called Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, featuring Scarlet Witch. And Spider-Man will get his third and final solo film which will explore the aftermath of the Spider-Man: Far From Home twist.
Nervous: Disney+ Series
The new streaming service Disney+ will be a game-changer for the MCU in Phase 4. Not only will the platform serve as a way of introducing heroes like Moon Knight and She-Hulk, but it will also be a place for side characters to get their own adventures. Falcon and The Winter Soldier, WandaVision and Hawkeye will all put the supporting heroes in the spotlight.
However, there is still a big question about if MCU storytelling will translate well to the television format. Will they have enough story to fill a six-episode season? Will audiences care about these less popular characters? Will they be willing to watch a whole season of television just to prepare for Doctor Strange?
