Marvel Phase 4 Will Be Going Epic.

 Marvel Just Shocked Fans By Showing What Inside Phase Four.

Marvel Studios sent the Internet into an emotional and thrilling on Monday by revealing Angelina Jolie's first look from The Eternals, one of its nine films to be released in its phase four. The Eternals, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloe Zhao, also features Salma Hayek, Kit Harington, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, and Don Lee. We didn't get to see much of Angelina Jolie and other stars of The Eternals in the clip as it also comprised glimpses of lined-up Marvel Studios films such as Black Widow, Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings, Spider-Man No Way Home, Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness, Thor Love And Thunder, The Marvels, Ant-Man, And The Wasp Quantumania and late actor Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther Wakanda Forever, along with their respective release dates.

Let's see what's inside the thrilling marvel movies announcement.

BLACK WIDOW

Release Date: July 9, 2021

What We Know: First revealed in January of 2018 with Jac Schaeffer writing the script, the film became Marvel’s fastest-track project ever with Lore’s Cate Shortland signing on to direct in July of 2018. The film features David Harbour as Alexei – a.k.a. The Red Guardian – Florence Pugh as Yelena, O-T Fagbenle as Mason, and Rachel Weisz as Melina. Set after Captain America: Civil War, the plot sees Natasha Romanoff (Johansson) returning to the former Soviet Bloc to deal with some unresolved issues and face her spy “family” – although it is still possible the film may all be a phantasm of sorts as Nat’s soul rests on Vormir. What we do know is that, according to Shortland, the film will serve as a passing of the baton from Natasha to Yelena, and a “last hurrah” for Johansson, who will leave the MCU after the project. “Scarlett is so gracious, like, ‘Oh, I’m handing her the baton,’” Shortland told Empire magazine. “So it’s going to propel another female storyline.” On March 17, Disney announced it was postponing the release of the film due to the coronavirus outbreak and subsequently announced on April 3 a new release date of November 6, 2020. On September 23, Disney again moved the film to May 7, 2021 – a full year from its original release date – before pushing it back again to July 9, 2021. It will be available on Disney+ via Premier Access on the day it is released in theaters.

How It Fits in the MCU: Flashbacks to Nat’s training in Avengers: Age of Ultron tie back to ideas explored in the short-lived Marvel television series Marvel’s Agent Carter – a series we know the films acknowledge thanks to Edwin Jarvis’s (James D’Arcy) cameo in Endgame – in which a Soviet-trained deep cover agent is assigned to eliminate Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell). Investigating the operative, Peggy discovers the brutal facility charged with creating these sleeper agents using methods teased in the Ultron flashbacks. Both Nat and Yelena came out of this program, known by their time as the Red Room, and it sounds like Yelena will continue the Black Widow journey once Natasha leaves the MCU.

SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS

Release Date: September 3, 2021

What We Know: In March of 2019, Short Term 12’s Destin Daniel Cretton emerged as the director of a film based on Marvel’s 1970s comic book The Hands of Shang-Chi: Master of Kung-Fu. Shang-Chi was the son of legendary literary villain Fu Manchu in the comics. Learning the truth about his dad’s business, he used his martial arts prowess against his father and any other Marvel baddie ready to battle with his mighty hands. But considering Fu Manchu is one of the few IPs not owned by the Walt Disney Company, fans online are already speculating Shang-Chi’s father – whom Marvel later turned into a different immortal villain in the comics – may turn out to be the “real” Mandarin teased in the Iron Man 3 Blu-ray short film “All Hail the King.” At Comic-Con 2019, Marvel announced the full title and the cast, which includes Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, Awkwafina, and HardBoiled‘s Tony Leung as the real Mandarin. As Disney began to consider shutting down active productions, Cretton took a Coronavirus test and self-isolated himself on March 12 of 2020 while the second-unit shooting continued. His test results came back negative, but production completely shut down the next day. In early April, the film’s release was pushed back to May 2021 to accommodate the halted production and the other changes to the release schedule. In September, the film shifted again from the May 7, 2021 release date to July 9, 2021; then, when Black Widow took that release date, Shang-Chi was pushed again to September 3, 2021.

How It Fits in the MCU: Seeded in Iron Man, but never carried out to fruition as the Infinity Saga took shape, the Ten Rings is a crime league embedded across the world, but owing allegiance to no country. The group gives Shang-Chi a nice international opponent with an established MCU footprint. Also, the 10 rings the Mandarin wears have cosmic origins which may play into the larger Phase 4 story. And, we’ll be honest, we hope he uses them to conjure up legendary Marvel Comics creature Fin Fang Foom.

ETERNALS

Release Date: November 5, 2021

What We Know: In April of 2018, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige revealed a film based on the Eternals comic book and the concept was in development. Soon after, The Rider’s Chloe Zhao became its director. Based on characters and situations imagined by Jack Kirby, the Eternals are a race of fantastically powerful proto-humans engineered by the Celestials (more on them in a moment) to harness vast amounts of “cosmic energy.” Generations of infighting and wars against another Celestial experiment, the Deviants, followed. The film will center on an Eternal named Sersi (Gemma Chan) with the powers of flight, strength, immortality, and molecular manipulation. Confirmed cast members include Richard Madden as Ikaris, Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo, Lauren Ridloff as Makkari, Brian Tyree Henry as Phaistos, Salma Hayek as Ajak, Lia McHugh as Sprite, Don Lee as Gilgamesh, Angelina Jolie as Thena, and Kit Harington as Dane Whitman – a.k.a. the Black Knight. The film will also feature Marvel’s first real attempt at including gay characters, as Henry’s Phaistos will reportedly be married to a man and raising a child alongside him. After initially losing its November 2020 slot to Black Widow, Disney moved the film to November 5, 2021, during a restructuring of its release calendar in September of 2020. Audiences got their first look at the film in a just-released Phase 4 trailer.

How It Fits in the MCU: Because the Eternals and the Celestials are old and powerful — the Celestials are some of the oldest creatures in the universe — they run into just about everyone. When the Kree happened to learn about the Eternals, they tried duplicating the Celestial experiment and created Inhumans on Earth. In Marvel’s 616 universes, Thanos is himself related to the Eternals thanks to their colonization of Titan in the distant past. Meanwhile, the Celestials have already appeared in passing during both Guardians films. In the first film, one appears in a hologram during The Collector’s (Benicio Del Toro) explanation of the Power Stone. And in the second film, Peter Quill’s (Chris Pratt) father Ego (Kurt Russell) self-identifies as a Celestial. Whether or not this means Ziran the Tester will feature in Eternals or any other MCU film remains to be seen.

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME

Release Date: December 17, 2021

What We Know: After a tense 2019 summer in which, it seemed, Spider-Man would blip out of the MCU again to face off against Venom (Tom Hardy), Sony Pictures and the Walt Disney Studios agreed to produce a third film with Tom Holland as Spider-Man. While the fine details of the studios’ new agreement are not known — beyond Disney reportedly increasing its share of the profits to 25% — we do know Spidey will appear in one additional MCU outside of his third solo film. But in another twist of fate, Spidey’s current troubles will be acknowledged in Sony’s upcoming Morbius, a film set in its Spider-Verse and completely separate from the MCU. (Or is it?) Initially slated for a July 2021 release, the third Marvel Spider-Man film played release calendar roulette until finally landing on a December release (for now). In October 2020, Benedict Cumberbatch joined the cast as Doctor Strange. Though Strange is said to fill the mentor role, his presence has fueled speculation the film may see the other Spider-Men from the previous film series. Also fueling that speculation: the addition of Jamie Foxx, who once again plays Electro – although it remains to be seen if this will be the villain from The Amazing Spider-Man 2 or an MCU equivalent. And while rumors surfaced in December 2020 indicating Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire are in talks to appear, Alfred Molina was spotted on set reprising his role as Doctor Octopus from Spider-Man 2. In February of 2021, Marvel and Sony made a big to-do of the title reveal with Holland, Zendaya, and Jacob Batalon, posting fake titles before adding the real one to his Instagram: Spider-Man: No Way Home. Although we’re thrilled to have a title, it only further clouds the mystery of casting villains and actors from Spider-Man movie history, as do Holland’s recent comments about Peter making his way back to high school. In April, Molina confirmed his part in the film, saying Doc Ock’s story picks up from his final moments in Spider-Man 2.

How It Fits in the MCU: Nick Fury has big plans for Peter, but will he be able to set everything in motion before Sony calls him back to their Spider-Verse? Considering the film will slot into Phase 4, one imagines it will push forward the overall storyline even as Peter clears his name. It almost has to consider how precarious his existence in the MCU continues to be. But with one additional appearance guaranteed after the third film, maybe the first Phase 5 film will revolve around his multiversal instability

DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS

Release Date: March 25, 2022
What We Know: Director Scott Derrickson finally signed on to return in December of 2018, but his involvement with the film ended in early January of 2019 when he departed the production, citing “creative differences.” His replacement is Spider-Man and The Evil Dead’s Sam Raimi, making a return of sorts to the Marvel universe. Benedict Cumberbatch returns as the Sorcerer Supreme with Elizabeth Olsen joining him as the Scarlet Witch in what Derrickson originally called “the first scary MCU movie” — though some believe Marvel’s unease with that mission statement led to his departure. Raimi’s bonafides as a horror director suggest the film may still have some scares, but the script is being reworked by Loki head writer Michael Waldron and may yet conform to the Marvel house style. As teased at the end of the first film, Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) will return, as will Rachel McAdams and Benedict Wong. The film, which is still a ways from beginning production, is now set for release in March 2022 following multiple changes to Marvel Studios’ schedule. At the December 2020 Disney Investor Day presentation, Feige confirmed Xochitl Gomez will play Young Avengers favorite America Chavez.
How It Fits in the MCU: The film will directly follow up on ideas from WandaVision, Loki, and the third Spider-Man film. It may even reveal the real threat hiding in the multiverse. The addition of America Chavez all but confirms reality-hopping will matter greatly in the coming years – that ability is a key part of her skillset.

THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER

Release Date: May 6, 2022

What We Know: Shortly before Comic-Con 2019, Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi signed on to return for a fourth installment in the God of Thunder franchise. Chris Hemsworth will return as the wandering Odinson, but not as Thor. In a surprise move, Marvel revealed Natalie Portman is returning to the series as the new Mighty Thor, a twist pulled from an excellent Thor comic book series by Jason Aaron, Russell Dauterman, and others. Meanwhile, Tessa Thompson will return as Valkyrie, the king of New Asgard who must find a Queen, and we assume Loki (Tom Hiddleston) – in either of his manifestations – will return to mercilessly tease his now nameless brother. As 2020 began, Christian Bale emerged as a potential new member of the cast – Marvel subsequently confirmed he will play the main antagonist, Gorr the God Butcher. In February that year, Someone Great filmmaker Jennifer Kaytin Robinson reportedly joined Waititi as a co-writer. That March, Vin Diesel revealed the Guardians of the Galaxy will make some sort of appearance – which we’ve always assumed would be the case – but Chris Pratt's addition to the cast was announced in November of 2020 confirmed the Guardians will be along for the ride. Production began in early 2021 with all manner of Guardians characters reportedly spotted on set and Jaimie Alexander said to be returning as Lady Sif, who must’ve been away from Asgard during the events of Ragnarok. In April of 2021, Russell Crowe seemingly confirmed he is playing Olympian god Zeus during a radio call-in show.

How It Fits in the MCU: Since Loki will be the star of his own Disney+ limited series before the film’s release, events in that series will probably determine the character’s more villainous tendencies should he appear in Love and Thunder. Also, as the film will predate Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, you can expect Rocket (Bradley Cooper) to offer a tearful goodbye as Odinson leaves the group to deal with his loss of name and status.

BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER

Release Date: July 8, 2022

What We Think Might Happen: Despite the tragic death of Chadwick Boseman on August 28, 2020, plans for Black Panther II press on. It seems the sudden and awful casting change only delayed production by a couple of months. Filming is reportedly set to begin in July of 2021 with Shuri (Letitia Wright) taking on a larger role and actor Tenoch Huerta in talks to play the primary antagonist. Presumably, the film will detail the succession of Shuri to the throne and her attempts to become the next Black Panther. M’Baku (Winston Duke) may challenge her claim and Huerta’s character will no doubt try to upset the balance of power in Wakanda. Of course, speculation rides high on just who he will play. Rumors stretching back years indicate Namor the Submariner will make his MCU debut as the film’s antagonist. Long in the control of Universal, the character is reportedly back in Marvel’s hands and could prove a worthy adversary to Shuri. In December of 2020, Marvel changed the release date to the July 2022 slot and Feige re-affirmed the studio will not recast T’Challa in honor of Boseman. In May 2021, the studio revealed the title for the sequel will be Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

How It Fits in the MCU: The change in Wakandan leadership could have far-reaching effects, particularly as the embassies T’Challa envisioned were presumably built in his absence after Infinity War. Additionally, if Namor is the antagonist, his retroactive status as Marvel’s first mutant may open the X-Men’s MCU introduction path.

THE MARVELS

Release Date: November 11, 2022

What We Think Might Happen: In January 2020, Marvel reportedly hired WandaVision staff writer Megan McDonnell to begin drafting a sequel to Captain Marvel. Brie Larson will return as Carol, and considering how vital they were to the first film, you can probably expect Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Mendelsohn to return as Fury and Talos. In August of 2020, Candyman director Nia Costa took the director’s chair from the first film’s Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, who were not expected to return. At the 2020 Disney Investor Day presentation, Feige revealed Ms. Marvel star Iman Vellani and WandaVision’s Teyonah Parris (as a grown-up Monica Rambeau) were joining the cast, confirming the film will take place in the modern-day MCU. Also, with Black Panther II’s move to July 8, 2022, the film has moved out of its long-held release window of July in that year. It is now slated for release on November 11, 2022. In the new Phase 4 video trailer, it was revealed the film will now be called The Marvels.

How It Fits in the MCU: Considering the continued cosmic emphasis post-Endgame, it is entirely possible Captain Marvel 2 will follow-up on ideas from Guardians of the Galaxy and Eternals. With Ms. Marvel and Parris’s grown-up Monica Rambeau joining Carol on this adventure, we know the film will feature Earth in some capacity. Also, we expect Fury’s armada will be of great interest to Carol.

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA

What We Think Might Happen: Picking up sometime after Endgame, Scott still needs to put his life back together – granted, he does that constantly. This time, though, he is an acknowledged hero, which should help some. Although, one imagines his relationship with Cassie (Kathryn Newton, taking over from Emma Fuhrmann) will be fairly different. Also Hope (Evangeline Lilly), Hank (Michael Douglas), and Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer) will need to adjust to life after returning from the Snap. But their attempt at finding a new normal will be upset by the arrival of Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors), a time traveler with a fantastic connection to the Marvel universe. In April of 2019, Rick and Morty scribe Jeff Loveness emerged as the film’s writer with director Peyton Reed set to return for his third heist with Scott and the gang. In December of 2020, Marvel revealed the title – Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – and confirmed Newton and Majors’s roles in the film.

How It Fits in the MCU: Considering the film will be part of the MCU’s Phase 5, it is difficult to forecast how it will fit into the the larger scope. But with Majors joining the production as Kang in September of 2020, it’s clear the film will introduce some aspects of Fantastic Four lore into the MCU. At the same time, the Ant-Man movies have always been plucky outliers when it comes to the grand tapestries Marvel likes to create.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3

Release Date: May 5, 2023

What We Think Might Happen: Now that the saga of James Gunn’s expulsion from the film has ended with him back in the director’s chair and Endgame has revealed the Guardians’ fates through Phase Three, we can speculate wildly about Vol.3. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) will presumably search for Gamora (Zoe Saldana) while Rocket continues to get over the absent Odinson. There is also the often-delayed debut of Adam Warlock to consider. The character very nearly appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Infinity War, but fell away as both movies were stuffed to the air ducts with characters. It is possible he will finally do something in the MCU besides sit in an egg. Also, before Gunn’s temporary departure, he referred to the film as a conclusion to the story he began telling in the first installment, so it is possible the film will have an Endgame-like resolution. Is Star-Lord long for this universe? At the 2020 Disney Investor Day presentation, Feige confirmed the film will be released in 2023, with the subsequent 2021 sizzle reel finally confirming the May 5 release date.

How It Fits in the MCU: With Gunn confirming the film will take place after Endgame, the story options are limitless. But with the film moving from an anchor spot in Phase 4 to somewhere in Phase 5, we imagine Thor’s role in it has been drastically reduced. That said, the Guardians may stumble onto the reason Fury is building a space fleet without understanding what they’ve discovered

FANTASTIC FOUR

Release Date: Late 2023 (my guess)

What We Think Might Happen: At 2019 Comic-Con, Feige merely mentioned he “ran out of time” to discuss the Fantastic Four or mutants. While both concepts will eventually make their way into the MCU, we expected that integrating Marvel’s first family will be the priority and maybe even the whole point of Phase 5. Like many on the internet have suggested, placing them in the 1960s during their first film – but making the world forget about them for decades – is an elegant way to introduce them and acknowledge their absence all this time. In that context, they also serve as a great replacement for the similarly time-lost Captain America. In December of 2020, Marvel announced Spider-Man: Far From Home director Jon Watts will helm the project. For the longest time, we kept the film at the last possible release date, but with its title car teased in a May 2021 sizzle reel, we now think it will come together before Blade.

How It Fits in the MCU: The Fantastic Four bring with them a surprisingly robust rouges gallery. To be honest, we’re a little more excited to see Doctor Doom, Annihilus, and Galactus make their MCU introductions than the Richards clan – although, Kang’s involvement in Ant-Man 3 means the family will be important in the MCU by 2024. At the same time, it would also be a thrill to see the Baxter Building join the New York skyline.