It seems forever ago that fans packed theaters for Spider-Man: Far From Home to witness the final film of Phase Three and the fallout of the Infinity Saga. At the time, everyone thought Thanos was the greatest threat to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, manipulating time itself in an attempt to ruin the future for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Little did anyone know there was another force of evil lurking in the shadows, one also looking to wreak havoc on the MCU timeline. Its name: COVID-19.
The Coronavirus has turned everyday life on its head. As stocks plummet and businesses face an uncertain future, the film and television industry has screeched to a halt. Theater chains and (nearly) all live-action productions have been forced to board up their windows, leaving the 2020 theatrical release schedule in a state of flux. Thanks to a recent announcement by Disney, however, the MCU's future is looking a little clearer.
Marvel’s long-awaited Phase Four has been reshuffled in what appears to be the world’s most expensive game of leapfrog. Though the dates have changed, the release order is staying the same. Fans chomping at the bit for Black Widow in May will have to wait for the further adventures of Natasha Romanoff, but at least they now know when.
Black Widow
November 6, 2020
Taking the pre-Thanksgiving slot from Eternals, fans finally get what they’ve been demanding for years in a standalone Black Widow movie starring Scarlett Johansson. The story takes place between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, and will check off another box on the MCU wish list by finally introducing fan-favorite, sort of villain Taskmaster. The secrets of the Red Room will be explored as two new Widows, played by Florence Pugh and Rachel Weisz, join Nat's mission. The Cate Shortland film also brings in Stranger Things star David Harbour as Red Guardian, Russia’s answer to Captain America, in addition to a digitally enhanced William Hurt to reprise his role as General Thaddeus Ross.
The Eternals
February 12, 2021
Even the most hardcore Marvel fans wrinkled their brows and said “huh” when Marvel Studios announced this Jack Kirby creation. The Eternals are far from household names, even more than the Guardians of the Galaxy were before their film debut. That said, they’ll no doubt become just that when they arrive on their new 2021 release date. Director Chloé Zhao has assembled a beauty of a cast, including Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Kumail Nanjiani, and Brian Tyree Henry. After playing Minn-Erva in Captain Marvel, Gemma Chan gets Marvel double duty as former comic book Avenger Sersi. Plus Game of Thrones fans will be pumped to see Stark brothers Richard Madden and Kit Harington share the screen again. Madden will be playing Eternals leader Ikaris, while Harington wields the Ebony Blade of Dane Whitman, a.k.a. the Black Knight. In addition to all this, rumors are going wild regarding Atlantis and Namor possibly showing up as well.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
May 7, 2021
A Shang-Chi movie? Sounds great. A Shang-Chi movie that introduces a proper version of The Mandarin? Yes, please. Hate or love Shane Black’s bait and switch handling of Tony Stark’s arch-nemesis in Iron Man 3, director Destin Daniel Cretton’s film will give jaded fans their wish while still playing off of what Black did with the character. Kim’s Convenience star Simu Liu will tackle the role of Marvel’s Master of Kung Fu, with Tony Leung set as The Mandarin. Awkwafina has also joined the cast, although details surrounding her role have not been revealed.
Untitled Spider-Man Sequel
July 16, 2021
A studio war broke out last summer and the hearts of fans were shattered as it seemed Sony was all-in on removing Spider-Man from the MCU. After a fierce internet backlash, and an apparent drunk dial from star Tom Holland, the studios came together at the end of September with a new deal to keep the web-slinger home for at least two more MCU appearances. Sony and Marvel’s third Spidey movie hasn’t changed its July release date, not yet anyway. Holland will return, along with Zendaya as M.J., and screenwriters Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers are already hard at work on the script.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
November 5, 2021
The good doctor takes Thor’s November spot and continues Benedict Cumberbatch's adventures as Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Benedict Wong and Chiwetel Ejiofor will be back as Wong and Baron Mordo respectively, the latter of which possibly going full villain. MCU mainstay Elizabeth Olsen will co-star as Wanda/Scarlet Witch after appearing in WandaVision on Disney+. Not only does that series tie in with the sequel, but it has been said the Loki series on Disney+ will follow suit. Sadly director Scott Derrickson is out as director, staying on to produce, but rumor has it horror legend Sam Raimi is being courted to direct in his place, which would bring Raimi back to superheroes for the first time since Spider-Man 3.
Thor: Love and Thunder
February 18, 2022
Chris Hemsworth’s Thor becomes the first solo hero to get a fourth movie as Thor: Love and Thunder moves to 2022, closing out Phase Four. If Taika Waititi’s take on the Thunder God in Thor: Ragnarok was any indication, fans will no doubt be lined up around the block for this one. Not only is Natalie Portman returning as Jane Foster, giving the beloved Foster version of Thor finally gets the MCU treatment. Another big piece of Love and Thunder news is that Christian Bale has hung up his Batman cape and cowl in exchange for a run in the MCU as the film’s villain.
Phase Four won't be limited to just theaters, as Disney+ has announced several companion series that will directly connect to the films. That list includes Falcon and the Winter Soldier in August, WandaVision in December, and Loki for release in 2021. Following those series will be the Jeremy Renner-led Hawkeye, followed by Ms. Marvel, She-Hulk, and Moon Knight all getting the TV treatment soon after.