Liam Hoofe takes a look ahead at what movies we could possibly see in Marvel Phase’s Four…
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is currently riding high atop the summer box office, bringing us one step closer to the end of Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe – with the current Thanos storyline set to come to an end in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers 4, due for release in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
By the time Phase Three comes to its conclusion, it will have been 11 years since we were first introduced to the current version of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and if Kevin Feige is to be believed, a lot of things are going to be changing in Phase Four of the MCU.
Marvel have, understandably, kept very quiet about their plans post Infinity War, but it seems fairly certain that Phase Three will bring an end to a lot of the characters and storylines that have driven the MCU thus far. With several contracts running out and several new heroes being introduced throughout the current Phase, it seems safe to say that the MCU we have in 2020 will be a very different one to the one we all know today.
Let’s take a look at some of the potential movies Marvel could give us in Phase Four of the MCU…
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Let’s get this one out of the way. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has been confirmed by James Gunn, and it looks to be the last time we will see the current gang of misfits and rebel on the big screen together.
Gunn has made it clear that the story surrounding the current group will be a trilogy and that any fourth movie would feature a new roster of characters.
The first two movies have been huge successes at the box office, and if the group play a big role in Infinity War, which they likely will, then this one could go on to beat both of its predecessors and become one of the MCU’s highest grossing instalments.
In terms of a storyline, the ending of Guardians Vol. 2 hinted that we would be seeing Adam Warlock showing up at some point and working for The Sovereign, and we can probably expect him to play a big role in this movie.
Captain America: Reborn
The new two Avengers movies will likely write many of the current crop of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, whether that be through death, exile or retirement.
Going into the next Phase without any of their big stars would be a big risk though, so expect them to keep at least one of the current crew around for Phase Four.
Captain America seems the most obvious choice here. While Chris Evans has hinted that he could be done with the MCU after his contract runs out, the great thing about the Captain America character is that someone else can fill in the role. Sebastian Stan still has several movies on his contract post-Infinity War, which would indicate that Bucky is the likely contender to become the next Captain America.
Spider-Man: Homecoming 2
While the Sony and Marvel rights are still somewhat confusing, Marvel will still, apparently, have a hand in at least one more Spider-Man movie post Phase Three. Tom Holland has, thus far, taken to the role like a fish to water and Marvel will no doubt want to make as much out of the character as they can, with Spider-Man: Homecoming 2 already confirmed.
The recent announcement, however, that Tom Hardy will be playing the lead role in a Venom movie may throw a spanner in Marvel’s plans, though, as Sony looks set on building their own Spider-Man universe – something they have been trying to get off the ground for some years now. Who knows, perhaps Marvel can even talk their way into another deal of sorts – seeing Tom Hardy’s Venom in the MCU would certainly not be a bad thing.
Doctor Strange 2
Doctor Strange’s box office success pretty much guaranteed we will see Benedict Cumberbatch reprise his role in Phase Four, likely as one the franchise’s marquee stars as they continue to introduce more risky superheroes to the fray.
Doctor Strange allows Marvel to explore the magical realm and his character can help give the MCU a distinctly different feel going forward. We also have a ready-made villain in the form of Karl Mordo, who’s turn was confirmed at the end of the first Doctor Strange movie.
Black Widow
Come on Marvel, just make this happen already. Scarlett Johansson has been a key player in the MCU since Phase One and the actress is easily established enough to take the lead in her own Marvel movie.
Black Widow could well become a mentor of sorts to a newer group of Avengers and if that is the case, then a solo movie is a must.
Marvel will no doubt be watching the box office figures for Captain Marvel, and DC’s Wonder Woman, but sooner or later, this movie has to happen.
Captain Marvel 2
Another character introduced in Phase Three who will almost definitely be around once the dust has settled on Infinity War. Brie Larson is a big name actress and Carol Danvers could easily be a big player in the MCU. The first movie is bound to be a success, and it seems only logical a sequel will follow in Phase Four.
Captain Marvel is one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel universe and her inclusion in the MCU will open a lot of doors for the franchise.
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