According to Marvel Studios President/Marvel Chief Creative Officer Kevin Feige, the studio has revamped its approach to contracts.
During the early days of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios became famous for signing actors like Samuel L. Jackson and Chris Evans to massive multi-film deals. “That got a lot of attention way back when, with I think Scarlett [Johansson], and [Chris] Hemsworth and [Chris] Evans and Sam Jackson," Feige told The Hollywood Reporter. When asked if those types of contracts are still being used, he admitted, "It varies now."
As Feige explained, Marvel Studios' contracts with its creative talent cover everything from appearances in the MCU's movies and series on Disney+ to theme park attractions like Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure. “It varies, project to project, cast to cast,” Feige reiterated, adding, “Really, what we want are people that come in, are excited to be in the universe, are excited at the opportunity to do more things, as opposed to being locked into contractual obligations.”
Several MCU actors have already reprised their roles for the Phase 4 series WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Loki, including Tom Hiddleston, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie. Hiddleston, in particular, has been playing the God of Mischief since 2011's Thor and may continue to portray the character after Loki wraps its first season. "At this point, I have learned that for me to have any expectations is futile and a fool's errand," said Hiddleston, commenting on the possibility of Loki Season 2 earlier this year.
Phase 4 will also see Natalie Portman return to the role of Jane Foster for Thor: Love & Thunder, having not played the character since 2013's Thor: The Dark World. Portman previously cited her interest in collaborating with Love & Thunder director Taika Waititi on a film inspired by Jason Aaron's Mighty Thor comic books as a major factor in her decision to return to the franchise.
Among the many actors set to join the MCU during the second half of 2021 are Florence Pugh, Hailee Steinfeld, Simu Liu and Iman Vellani, all of whom are playing characters who could end up appearing in multiple Marvel projects down the line. However, in light of the studios' new approach, it remains to be seen whether they stay with the franchise as long as the now-retired stars of Phases 1-3 did.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter