The Avengers franchise can proudly declare itself one of the most successful in history, or to be more accurate; the Marvel Cinematic Universe can. There is not a single MCU film released over last decade that did not see success. Sure, some were better received than others, but not one was a failure.
Endgame wrapped up the story. So does this mean you should forget the MCU, head to an online casino NZ, and wish it a fond farewell? Of course not. Disney would be mad to write it all off and put it to rest. The MCU has a bright future ahead, with multiple films already planned.
Phase 4 Incoming – To 2021
The key to a good franchise is that the stories need to progress. Many studios are afraid that if they continue a story in a permanent way, it will eventually kill their cash cow. This is a very realistic and sensible worry, but also counterproductive. How are audiences supposed to get invested if nothing ever really changes? It’s a Catch 22. The MCU showed how it’s done, however, managing to draw a story out, in multiple parts, over 3 so called Phases.
The next Phase will be 4.
Black Widow
Many will note that Black Widow seemed very unlikely to be making a return. No spoilers from us, of course. But it just so happens that the first Phase 4 film is titled Black Widow.
Scarlett Johansson is back in 2020, in her own film, and looking better than ever. So far the Stranger Things star David Harbour is confirmed to play a role, and Cate Shortland signed on as director, so there will be plenty of scary friends to keep the Black Widow company.
The Eternals
This is the first entirely new entry for Phase 4, also due in 2020. The Eternals is a lesser-known comic series, though that doesn’t mean it won’t be great. The story involves astonishingly powerful proto-humans, wars between celestial beings, and other such fantastical things. Salma Hayek and Angelina Jolie are confirmed to be part of the cast, amongst others.
Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings
Another entirely new concept, due out in 2021, Shang-Chi is a Marvel character from the 1970s. Long forgotten now, the character is seeing a rebirth like never before. One of the most interesting aspects of this film is that it will feature the real Mandarin. You may remember the controversy at how the Mandarin was portrayed in Iron Man 3.
Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness
Good to see a known MCU character back again in mid-2021. The legendaryBenedict Cumberbatch is back as Doctor Strange, joined by Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch. Yes, that’s one of the Olsen twins who you may know as one of the twins from Full House. How she has grown.
Thor – Love and Thunder
Rounding off 2021 is Thor – Love and Thunder. Hemsworth is back, still playing Thor, and possibly without the comical potbelly from Endgame. But Tessa Thompson is now joining him as the iconic Valkyrie. No points for guessing where that Love and Thunder titles is headed.
