The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has become one of the biggest franchises in the movie industry, with millions of fans anxiously waiting for new releases. After the success of Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home, fans are left wondering what’s next for the MCU. As Marvel Studios expands its universe with new characters and sequels, here is a glimpse of what the future holds for the MCU.
1. Black Widow (May 2021)
Black Widow is one of the most anticipated movies of 2021, which will explore the deeply troubled past of Natasha Romanoff. The movie is set after the events of Captain America: Civil War and serves as a prequel to Avengers: Infinity War. The film was originally meant to release in May 2020, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (July 2021)
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings marks the first Asian-led superhero movie in the MCU. The film will follow Shang-Chi, a skilled martial artist, who confronts the Ten Rings criminal organization that he was once a part of. The movie will introduce new characters such as The Mandarin, and is expected to open doors to a new world of martial arts in the MCU.
3. Eternals (November 2021)
Eternals, one of the most intriguing projects of the MCU, is set after the events of Avengers: Endgame. The movie will introduce the Eternals, an immortal alien race created by the Celestials, who have been living on Earth for thousands of years. With an ensemble cast that features Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, and Salma Hayek, the movie promises to expand the cosmic side of the MCU.
4. Spider-Man: No Way Home (December 2021)
Spider-Man: No Way Home is the much-anticipated third Spider-Man movie in the MCU. The movie is expected to explore the multiverse, with rumors of the return of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man. The movie is also expected to connect to the events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
5. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (March 2022)
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is one of the most highly anticipated movies in the MCU, as it’s expected to take the MCU into a new era of storytelling. The movie will see Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange teaming up with Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch, and will explore the concept of the multiverse. The movie is also expected to connect with the events of WandaVision and Spider-Man: No Way Home.
6. Thor: Love and Thunder (May 2022)
Thor: Love and Thunder marks the return of Taika Waititi as the director and Chris Hemsworth as Thor. The movie is set to explore the story of Jane Foster’s transformation into the Mighty Thor, as well as the return of Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie. The film will also see the appearance of Christian Bale as the villainous Gorr the God Butcher.
7. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (November 2022)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the sequel to the critically acclaimed Black Panther. The movie is expected to explore the vastness of Wakandan culture after the death of Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa. The movie’s director, Ryan Coogler, has mentioned that the movie will not recast T’Challa, but rather explore other characters and aspects of Wakandan culture.
8. The Marvels (July 2023)
The Marvels, formerly known as Captain Marvel 2, is the sequel to Captain Marvel. The movie will see the return of Brie Larson as Carol Danvers, and will introduce Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel and Teyonah Parris’s Monica Rambeau, who appeared in WandaVision. The movie is expected to explore the themes of women empowerment and diversity.
9. Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania (February 2023)
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is the third installment in the Ant-Man franchise. The movie will see the return of Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man, and Evangeline Lilly as Hope van Dyne/The Wasp. The movie is expected to introduce new characters such as Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors.
10. Blade (TBA)
Blade is the highly anticipated MCU reboot of the popular vampire hunter. The movie will see Mahershala Ali taking on the role of the Daywalker, originally played by Wesley Snipes. The movie is yet to have a release date, but with Ali’s casting, the movie is generating a lot of buzz among Marvel fans.
The future of the MCU is looking bright, with many exciting projects on the horizon. Marvel Studios is aiming to create a vibrant and diverse universe that caters to all kinds of audiences, and with the MCU’s track record, it’s only a matter of time before we see new superheroes taking over the box office.