Fresh out of Avengers End Game, the highest-earning movie in cinema history and the Marvel closing act to phase three, fans were left wondering what's next for the super entertaining franchise. The next four years look set to be quite Marvellous as Disney set the release dates for some massive blockbusters, sequels and new franchises.
Marvel Phase Four:
Marvel had their ‘Phase Four’ planned for a while, as it forged the map after it's the biggest phase (phase 3). This phase was announced around the same time as Avengers: Endgame closed phases one to three, dubbed as ‘The Infinity Saga’ that started with Iron Man back in 2008 and was made up of 22 films that all connected on some level.
Black Widow (1 May 2020):
Even though Scarlett Johanson's Black Widow died a heroic death in End Game. Black Widow is set to kick Phase Four off strongly with a prequel all about the spy. Speaking about the role, Scarlett Johansson said: ‘I get to play Natasha as a fully realised woman and in all of her many facets. I’m excited for fans to see the flawed side of her, what she perceives to be the flawed side of her, and I’m looking to wipe out some of that red in my ledger so you guys will be seeing more of that.’
The Eternals (6 November 2020):
Based on the ancient story from the Marvel about an immortal alien race who are trying to protect humanity from their evil counterparts, the Deviants, The Eternals has booked itself a stellar cast so far, including Richard Madden and Angelina Jolie, who's Maleficent sequel is currently making headlines in the Cinema Industry.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (12 February 2021):
The first Asian-led superhero movie, the character was first introduced in the comics in 1973. The film already has its star in Simu Liu who got some advice from Tom Hiddleston on joining the Marvel universe. The movie will be a breath of fresh air for Marvel fans, in addition the company will open a new market in Asia hoping to repeat Black Panther's Success in Africa.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (7 May 2021):
Benedict Cumberbatch is officially reprising his role as the Sorceror Supreme. The sequel’s title was officially announced at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con, along with with director Scott Derrickson’s intention to explore more of the ‘gothic’ horror elements from the comic books.
Spider-Man: Far From Home sequel, (16 July 2021):
After a brief split from the Marvel Universe, a sequel to Spider-Man: Far From Home has been confirmed. Tom Holland will be reprising his role. It is still up in the air however how Marvel will continue milking the character, as Sony only allows them two more Spiderman movies after the most recent split.
Thor: Love and Thunder (5 November 2021):
Perhaps the most anticipated movie of phase four, Thor will return once again to reprise his role as the God of Thunder, where he was last seen joining the Guardians of the Galaxy on their newest quest. One of the biggest shocks for Marvel’s Phase Four came when it was revealed at San Diego Comic-Con that Natalie Portman will be stepping into the Mighty Thor’s boots. The first female Thor will be directed by Taika Waititi, who directed Thor: Ragnarok.