What’s Going on With the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
When it comes to big theatrical releases, the future remains uncertain, but Marvel is still working hard on the next phase of its cinematic universe.
By Kirsten Howard
Marvel has dominated the box office in recent years with a shared universe of superhero films that utilize crossovers and team-ups to keep us coming back for more.
But 2020 has thrown a wrench in the works, hitting the Marvel Cinematic Universe with costly Phase 4 delays and production issues.
The first Marvel film to be affected by the events of 2020 was Black Widow, a standalone prequel for Scarlett Johansson’s character.
Black Widow was due to be released back in May, but as we drift into November, the movie is still sat on the shelf.
Eternals was the next Marvel blockbuster set to land on the big screen.
Boasting a massive cast that includes Angelina Jolie and Kit Harington, Eternals is another MCU film that’s ready to serve, but it’s about to start gathering dust instead.
Meanwhile, franchise-starter Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has just officially wrapped filming.
Despite Eternals being further along than Shang-Chi, Marvel has now moved up the latter’s release date so it arrives AHEAD of Eternals.
There are also sequels for Thor and Doctor Strange currently in pre-production.
And Sony is adding more ingredients to the pot right now as it cooks up an absolutely bonkers-sounding new Spider-Man movie.
Tom Holland will reprise his role as Peter Parker in the next outing for our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
It will also feature Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, and is rumored to be bringing back some surprising actors from past Spider-Man films.
Phase 4 of the MCU incorporates several integral TV series that will stream on Disney+, like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and WandaVision.
Some of those Marvel shows will contain important plot points that tie into the movies, making any planned theatrical release schedule key to their success.
It will be tricky for Marvel to navigate these uncertain times, and Disney has got tongues wagging by redirecting its focus to streaming content.
Will some future MCU movies go straight to Disney+? We shall have to wait and see…