As a result of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Marvel Studios and Disney have delayed the release of several Marvel Cinematic Universe films. This is the result of having to once again delay Black Widow, which has created a domino effect for the various films in Marvel Studios' Phase Four.
Here's the new timeline for Marvel Studios' Phase Four following the delay of Black Widow.
WandaVision: Late 2020
The six-episode WandaVision was originally slated to be the second MCU Disney+ series, but will now kick off Phase Four instead. While the show's exact release date is unknown, Disney has confirmed WandaVision will release sometime before the end of the year. The series, which borrows its aesthetics from classic sitcoms, will see Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch and Vision reunite, despite the latter's apparent death in 2018's Avengers: Infinity War. Other cast members include Randall Park and Kat Dennings, who are reprising their roles from 2018's Ant-Man and the Wasp and the Thor franchise, respectively. Played by Teyonah Parris, an adult Monica Rambeau will also appear in the series after debuting as a child in 2019's Captain Marvel.
Black Widow: May 7, 2021
Originally slated to premiere on May 1, Cate Shortland's Black Widow has now been delayed to May 07, 2021. Set between the events of 2016's Captain America: Civil War and Infinity War, Black Widow sees Natasha confront a conspiracy tied to her past in Russia. The film will see the introduction of Yelena Belova/Black Widow (Florence Pugh), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour) and Melina Vostokoff (Rachel Weisz). Taskmaster will serve as Black Widow's villain.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings: July 9, 2021
Originally slated to premiere before Eternals, Destin Daniel Cretton's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will now be the second film of Phase Four, releasing on July 9, 2021. While many details about the film are still unknown, Canadian actor Simu Liu will play the martial artist Shang-Chi, while Chinese actor Tony Leung will debut as the real Mandarin. Previously a fake version of The Mandarin and his Ten Rings played a role in 2013's Iron Man 3. In addition to Liu and Leung, Awkwafina, Ronny Chieng and Michelle Yeoh will have roles in the film, though just who they're playing isn't known at this time.
Eternals: Nov. 5, 2021
Cholé Zhao's Eternals is now set for release on November 5, 2021. One of the most diverse films on the MCU's slate, Eternals stars Kumail Nanjiani, Salma Hayek, Gemma Chan, Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Brian Tyree Henry, Kit Harington, Don Lee and more big name stars. The film itself focuses on the titular Eternals, a group of superhumans genetically engineered by the Celestials, a race of almost-godlike aliens who visited Earth in the ancient past. They were created to protect Earth from their counterparts, the shapeshifting Deviants.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, What If...?: 2021
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Loki and What If...? are all set to premiere in 2021. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, which was originally slated to release this fall, stars Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie in its titular roles as they team up to take on Daniel Brühl, who reprises his role as Helmut Zemo from Civil War. The series will likely air its six episodes in early 2021.
Also six episodes, Loki sees Tom Hiddleston returning as the titular God of Mischief. However, the series will not follow the Loki who died during Infinity War. Instead, the series will focus on the Loki who created a new timeline in 2019's Avengers: Endgame. The series, which is expected in early 2021, also stars Sophia Di Martino, Owen Wilson and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.
Finally, What If...? is a ten-episode animated anthology series scheduled for mid-2021, though the exact date is unknown at this time. The series, which is inspired by the comics series of the same name, will look at what might have happened if events in the MCU timeline occured differently. Marvel Studios is already working on What If...? Season 2.
It's unclear at this time if any of these three series will be delayed as a result of the recent schedule shuffle.
Spider-Man: Far From Home Sequel - Dec. 17, 2021
Right now, a sequel to 2019's Spider-Man: Far From Home helmed by director Jon Watts is slated to release on Dec. 17, 2021. At this time, little is known about the movie, and it title has not yet been revealed. However, Tom Holland is expected to return as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, while Zendaya will once again play MJ. It's possible the movie's release date may change as a result of COVID-19 and the schedule shift.
Thor: Love and Thunder - Feb. 11, 2022
Directed by Taika Waititi, Thor: Love and Thunder will be the fourth installment in the God of Thunder's film series. Little is known about the movie at this time, but Chris Hemsworth is slated to reprise his role as Thor. Natalie Portman will also return as Jane Foster, despite having not appeared in 2017's Thor: Ragnarok. However, this time around, she'll be following her comics counterpart's example and becoming the Mighty Thor. It's possible the movie's release date may change as a result of COVID-19 and the schedule shift.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness: Mar. 25, 2022
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which is slated for Mar. 25, 2022, is the final film in Phase Four. Not much is known about the movie at this time, but it will tie into both WandaVision and Loki. Benedict Cumberbatch and Benedict Wong will return as Doctor Stephen Strange and Wong, respectively. However, this time around, they'll be joined by Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch. It's possible the movie's release date may change as a result of COVID-19 and the schedule shift.
Hawkeye, Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight and She-Hulk: To Be Determined
While Hawkeye, Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight and She-Hulk have all been announced, these shows have not yet begun production in earnest. Right now, Jeremy Renner is set to reprise his role as Clint Barton for Hawkeye, while Orphan Black's Tatiana Maslany will play Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk. All four shows are expected to premiere on Disney+ in 2022.