With Doctor Strange introducing alternate realities and time travel as convenient ways to cheat character death and/or replace departing actors and given the implications of Avengers: Infinity War, will we see a massive reshaping of the MCU in Phase 4? Before it seemed likely that main players such as Downey, Jr. and Evans would leave after their multi-film contracts expire. But the latter seems quite happy to continue and the former just signed onto Spider-Man: Homecoming and floated the possibility of Iron Man 4. There’s a couple films that are pretty much guaranteed to happen, though and they are . . .
Marvel never expected to actually get Spider-Man back, so when they did, the entirety of Phase 3 changed. One consequence of this sharing deal is this possible sequel assuming the Inhumans‘ slot as the third Marvel film of 2019 and another is that Sony is releasing the films. They’re the ones who were desperate enough to turn to Marvel to rejuvenate the character because they lack stable franchises, of which Spidey is pretty much their only one. So their desire for as many films in as short a time as possible (The first Amazing Spider-Man hit theaters in July 2012, the sequel May 2014. That’s insane turnaround) is different than Marvel’s more careful, long-term approach.
2020
The untitled May 8, 2020 Marvel film is almost certainly planned as Guardians 3. It fits the release pattern and could potentially act as the official Phase 4 kickoff similar to Civil War for Phase 3. The cast is all signed though writer/director James Gunn is not. I believe Marvel will backup truckloads of cash to keep him so the question is really whether he burns out before then or not. I ultimately think he’ll finish the trilogy though.
Marvel seems to only makes hits nowadays and I see no reason why Doctor Strange won’t be awesome yet. It might even be middling like Ant-Man kinda was but even there was the distinct Marvel charm that pervades all their films. A sequel is all but assured. This one would arrive almost four years after the original, but it would kind of have to, given the projects in-between. I look forward to this one because they’re setting up Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Baron Mordo as Strange’s friend-turned-nemesis, a very juicy story that deserves the multiple films they’re spreading it over.
I don’t think Marvel wants to go all sequels, all year so here is a potential slot for a new franchise to lost. Could it be Inhumans? Nah, that film is D-E-A-D. That film was leftover from when Marvel CEO Ike Perlmutter controlled Marvel Studios with his “creative committee” and reports say Feige is not interested in making it (UPDATE 5/13: Feige has gone on the record as saying they’d like to make Inhumans in Phase 4. Original text follows). In lieu of that film, the sky is the limit. Could we finally get the Black Widow solo flick the company recently “committed” to? Might even be Iron Man 4, which would almost certainly be Downey, Jr.’s swan song if Infinity War ain’t it. But Marvel is reading the tea leaves – the world needs a Big Bertha movie. Marvel, this is your date. Make it happen.
I mention this film because a) it’s going to happen and b) I wonder if it gets put in 2020 or kicks of 2021. Marvel is an aggressive, innovative company. I feel like if they were going to bump up their films from three a year to four, after the Phase 1-3 climax would seem appropriate.
See above.
Thoughts and comments on the MCU’s future? Share them below and thank you for reading!
The actor also praised the freedom given on set.
Sasha Calle's Supergirl suit has been revealed!
Amber Heard is ready to reprise her role as Mera!
A Hulk prequel film, anyone?