A new phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has begun! From the end of the Avengers to a possible introduction of their replacements, fans were left wondering what is to come. Below are our thoughts and opinions on the future of the MCU. Warning: spoilers for recently released films.
- HEROES:
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is split into four phases. Phase One introduced the Avengers, Phase Two introduced the Infinity Stones and Phase 3 depicted the battle between Thanos and the Avengers. Phase Four features three new Avengers: She-Hulk, Lady Thor and the new Hawkeye. These introductions could start building the Young Avengers, as other characters have been seen from that group, such as Kid Loki, although Loki Alligator should be given more air time. Iron Heart will be getting a series on Disney+ and is rumored to be replacing Iron Man. Robert Downey Jr.’s role as the center of the MCU has been replaced by Spider-Man actor Tom Holland. Black Widow will be replaced by her sister, Yelena. Falcon will become Captain America. The Eternals and Shang-Chi have been introduced, making the MCU more diverse. The original cast of actors will be missed but the future of the MCU is in great hands!
- VILLIANS:
It might be premature to start looking for the next villain; however, now that Marvel has the rights to Fox Studios’ “Marvel Villains,” there is hope that some old fan favorites will be given a second chance to take over the world. Because of the past Fantastic Four movies, fans are desperate for a version of Doctor Doom that does him justice. With all the new characters that have been and will be introduced, there will be more than enough of a chance for Doctor Doom to wreak havoc. Marvel has also started expanding its horizons. The first “Iron Man” and “Thor” ended with one-on-one showdowns; however, now that Doctor Strange flies through dimensions and timelines, legitimately studying concepts of theoretical physics seems necessary to try to predict how future villains will cause chaos!
- MULTIVERSE:
The MCU hinted towards the concept of the multiverse in movies as early as “Thor: The Dark World,” and, more recently, in “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” The multiverse is depicted as alternate universes where other realities and timelines occur. In “Loki,” the audience is introduced to the character known as the Watcher, an all-knowing being who observes the passing of time. Given his great power, and the fact that most other science-fiction universes have explored the idea of time travel, the expectation is that the MCU will explore his character more in future movies. In light of the trailer for “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” it would not be shocking if these concepts of quantum physics, as well as the slightly annoying and way too optimistic Miss Minutes, are included in future MCU stories.
- SPIDER-MAN NO WAY HOME:
The movie “Avengers: Endgame” was the best MCU film since it pulled content from more than a decade of Marvel movies to make one amazing movie. But then “Spider-Man: No Way Home” was released. The movie combined 20 years of MCU lore and features the best best-friend handshake of all time. The dynamic between the three Spider-Men was absolutely brilliant. The movie seamlessly blended the film set and ambience of each version of Peter Parker, played by actors Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland. Three generations of Spider-Man fans were brought to tears when Tobey Maguire’s older Peter took on the role of a sage mentor to the younger two Spider-Men. This was also a great way to close the chapter on Maguire’s Spider-Man. Meanwhile, Garfield’s Peter was easily the most troubled as we see him finally shed the emotional baggage and guilt of killing Gwen Stacy. “No Way Home” also provided redemption for Garfield, along with actor Jamie Foxx, who plays Electro, and was first seen in the underwhelming “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.” Foxx establishes himself as the smoothest supervillain Spider-Man has ever faced, while Garfield gives everything that you want from a great hero.
- DOCTOR STRANGE:
The trailer for “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” was filled with captivating confusion. However, footage left plenty of breadcrumbs along the way. This film may introduce fans to America Chavez, a character in the Marvel comics, who possesses many powers, including the ability to travel through the multiverse. Chavez also holds membership with many different squads like the Young Avengers, which have been rumoured to be coming to the screen in the future, leaving Chavez with no shortage of opportunities post-“Doctor Strange 2.” Dr. Christine Palmer can also be seen returning in the preview as she marries a mystery partner. In the trailer, the typical Marvel Studios logo kaleidoscopes in on itself, and within its various reflections are Marvel title cards of the past, suggesting that heroes of the yesteryear are returning. The fluttering comic pages were a welcomed homage to the past, while also representing what may come in the future.
- UPCOMING MOVIES:
Marvel’s plotlines have slowly branched farther and farther into outer space. The Guardians of the Galaxy are coming back in full force with their dancing superstar Star-Lord, in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” which will be released in early May 2023. Captain Marvel will also be returning to the screen in a movie called “The Marvels,” which is rumoured to include other marvelous characters and will be released in February 2023. The Fantastic Four family will also be trying again with another film, despite multiple failed attempts at gaining traction; in fact, the first was so bad it never got released. However, with the technology of today, and the increasing budget of each of the MCU movies, the probability of another flop is smaller than before. Fingers crossed!
