Eammon Jacobs on what comes next for the MCU in Phase Four and beyond…
With Avengers: Endgame bringing the curtain down on The Infinity Saga and Spider-Man: Far From Home serving as the conclusion of Phase Three, Marvel are shifting their focus to newer heroes as we move into Phase Four, which promises to be a brand new chapter for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So, what’s next for the MCU? Here’s what we know…
Black Widow
For years, fans have been pleading for a Black Widow solo movie, and it’s finally happening. Production is apparently beginning this month (February 2019) so in time for Disney’s release date of May 1, 2020. While many Marvel movies go big, this is the chance to tell a smaller contained story that allows a fan-favourite character to flourish. Since the rest of the upcoming movies will definitely have a grander scale for the wider MCU, it’ll be a breath of fresh air to have a self-contained spy thriller. It’ll go back and tell Natasha’s story as a KGB spy before she defected to S.H.I.E.L.D. There are also several character breakdowns reported by The Hashtag Show, but they speculated that the film’s villain could be Taskmaster – a master of every style of martial arts who uses a sword and shield combo. In the description he was described as ‘Exciting’ but that the studio was looking for an actor in their 40s of any ethnicity to play the main antagonist. Add this to the rumour that it’ll be the MCU’s first R-rated entry, and this shapes up to be a very interesting project.
The Eternals
This is where Phase Four will change gears and kick it up a notch. Remember how the first Guardians of the Galaxy really showed just how bizarre the MCU could get? Well, The Eternals is going to do just the same. Aiming for the November 2020 release date, it’ll supposedly be stepping into production in September this year. Chloe Zhao will be directing, while Matthew and Ryan Firpo are writing the script.
The Eternals were genetic experiments created by the Celestials millions of years ago (remember the giant space station in a severed head in Guardians, Knowhere? That was a Celestial). While they were intended to be protectors of Earth, they accidentally created The Deviants. The film will probably deal with the two warring races on our planet as the human race at the time is caught in the crossfire. The film will have a female lead in Angelina Jolie, and it seems like Marvel is planning to include a bit more equality in their slate (there’s always rumours flying about regarding a female led Avengers movie, A-Force.) The Eternals will focus on Jolie’s Sersi, an Eternal with psionic powers, super strength and telekinesis. Warring races of superhumans, Celestials and a psionic female hero? Sounds like a cosmic epic in the making.
Doctor Strange 2
While his solo movie may have been a hit, not much is known about Doctor Strange 2. Scott Derrickson is confirmed to return to direct the sequel, and of course Benedict Cumberbatch will be returning to the cape and goatee. The aim right now is to get the script in perfect shape this year, eyeing up production in 2020. Scott Derrickson previously talked to IGN about including the villain ‘Nightmare’ in the first film, but decided against it. Nightmare is the sum of all humanity’s fears, and he lives in the Nightmare Realm. It sounds a little similar to the Dark Dimension from the first film, but it definitely gives Doctor Strange 2 plenty to play with. It’s another example of the MCU widening their scope, looking into other realities and what lurks beyond. There’s no word on whether Chiwetel Ejifor’s villain, Mordo, will also return but it would be criminal not to use his talents. Perhaps he partners with Nightmare to ensure that the human race is terrified of magic and the unknown, so that there won’t be any more sorcerers…
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Black Panther 2
After the groundbreaking success of the first Black Panther film, including a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars no less, there was no question whether it would receive a sequel. While Kevin Feige remains tight-lipped on what it’ll revolve around, the rumours are already swirling about Michael B. Jordan’s return as Erik Killmonger. Angela Bassett and her husband seemingly confirmed this in a red carpet interview – but take it with a pinch of salt. Director Ryan Coogler is back on board and is apparently writing the script this year, with an intention of shooting the sequel in 2020. Since Disney have a February 2021 slot, it’s possible this is earmarked for Black Panther. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if further down the line a third film is confirmed, plus there’s plenty of room for characters to cross over or get their own spin-offs. Let’s face it, Letitia Wright could easily headline a Shuri film all by herself.
Shang-Chi
Shang-Chi was created at a time when kung-fu movies were huge business in the 1970s. He’s another master of martial arts But he’s getting ready for his big screen debut as Marvel’s first leading Asian superhero. Since it’s only just signed up writer David Callaham (who also penned Wonder Woman 1984) it’s going to be a while before any real news comes around about the story. Although he originally had no superpowers, his fighting skills makes him a force to be reckoned with. Shang-Chi can dodge bullets thanks to mastering his chi and meditation. Although in later stories he did gain the ability to duplicate himself thanks to cosmic radiation, obviously. It’s another good example of Marvel striving to diversify their ranks both on and off-screen.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3
After the unfortunate exit of James Gunn, the Guardians of the Galaxy’s future seemed uncertain. The cast all seemed fairly loyal to the director and it wasn’t clear whether a third instalment would take place or not, particularly once Gunn jumped ship to direct The Suicide Squad for Warner Bros. and DC Films. However, Disney reversed its decision in March, bringing Gunn back into the MCU fold with a view to shooting the movie once he finishes up in the DCEU. Before his departure, Gunn had spoken about his ideas for a final movie that would set up “the next 10, 20 years of Marvel movies”. Since characters like Stakar (Sylvester Stallone) and Martinex (Michael Rosenbaum) had minor parts in Vol.2 it’s likely they could be back for Vol. 3, and it’ll also be interesting to see whether Marvel follow up on the set-up for Adam Warlock in the Sovereign’s cocoon…
So there you have it, the future of the MCU is balanced between huge cosmic adventures, exploring alternate realities and kick-ass spy thrillers. And these are just the ones we know about. Somewhere in Kevin Feige’s office there’ll be plans for the next Avengers movies and the inevitable sequels to other movies like Ant-Man, Captain Marvel and god knows what else…
Are you looking forward to Marvel’s Phase Four slate? What other movies are you hoping to see? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @FlickeringMyth…
A version of this article was originally posted in March 2019.
Eammon Jacobs
