Marvel Releases Timeline for Highly Anticipated Phase 4 of the MCU

Image+via+ScreenRant

Image via ScreenRant

Dominic Rascati, Staff Writer

Marvel Studios just released a plethora of dates and titles for the upcoming Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, satisfying fans hungry for entertainment following the COVID-19 pandemic. Namely, the Disney-owned studio dropped a video on their official YouTube channel in hopes of exciting people to return to movie theaters. The teaser used the voice of the late Stan Lee to discuss the importance of being with other people. Indeed, friends and family will have many opportunities in the coming months and years to enjoy the company of each other and fellow Marvel fans and movie-goers. 

The phase begins with the long-delayed “Black Widow,” which fills in the story of Natasha Romanoff prior to the events of “Captain America: Civil War.” This marks the return of actress Scarlett Johansson along with some new characters and director Cate Shortland. The film will come to theaters on July 9th of this year and also be available on Disney+. 

September 3rd brings the new “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” starring Simu Liu and Awkwafina. A trailer for this is already available on YouTube as well.  

On November 5th, “Eternals” comes to the bring screen, bringing fans to a society full of ancient immortals. The film is directed by Chloé Zhao, who comes to the table with a recent Oscar for “Nomadland.” There will also be a star-studded cast, including Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Kit Harington, and many more. 

The end of 2021 starts a series of more familiar sequels, beginning with “Spider-Man: No Way Home” on December 17th. This will, of course, bring back fan favorites like Tom Holland and Zendaya, as well as director Jon Watts. Most importantly, the previous Spider-Man film was the last one of Phase 3 and the last Marvel movie in theaters prior to the pandemic. 

Beginning 2022 is “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” on March 25th, rumored as heavily connecting to the Disney+ series, “WandaVision.” There will also be the fourth Thor movie, “Thor: Love and Thunder,” which premieres on May 6th of next year. July 8th also premieres the highly anticipated sequel to “Black Panther,” now entitled “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and carrying on without the late Chadwick Boseman. Finishing 2022 is “The Marvels” on November 11th. This will be the sequel to “Captain Marvel,” which marks the return of the title character and Monica Rambeau, who appeared heavily in “WandaVision” as well. The movie will also bring on Ms. Marvel, whom Iman Vellani will play. Vellani will also star as the character in a new series coming soon to Disney Plus.

The year 2023 brings “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” on February 17th, “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3” on May 5th, and “Fantastic 4,” which is yet to get a specific date. However, Jon Watts will also direct “Fantastic 4.”