At today’s San Diego Comic Con panel, Marvel Studios officially announced Phase 4, the next chapter of the Marvel Universe.
The Phase 4 announcement includes both plans for the next chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (“MCU”), as well as Disney + programmes.
Below are the ten upcoming projects that have been revealed.
The Eternals
Marvel Studios’ President, Kevin Feige, took to the stage to reveal an overview of The Eternals, its full cast, as well as a release date.
The Eternals will star Richard Madden as Ikaris, Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo, Lauren Ridloff as Makkari, Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos, Salma Hayek as Ajak, Lia McHugh as Sprite, Don Lee as Gilgamesh, and Angelina Jolie as Thena.
Earlier reports claimed Millie Bobby Brown had been cast in the film as well, though this has not been officially confirmed.
The Eternals, which will be directed by Chloé Zhao, will come to theaters November 6, 2020.
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier
The first show to stream exclusively to Disney+ was revealed to be none other than The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan will reprise their roles as The Falcon and The Winter Soldier respectively in the series. It was also revealed that Daniel Brühl will return as the villain, Baron Zemo, donning his infamous mask.
Marvel Studios’ The Falcon and The Winter Soldier will come to Disney+ in the fall of 2020.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Part of Marvel Studios’ plans for Phase 4 includes introducing classic Marvel Comics characters into the MCU. The first character on the list being, Shang-Chi, who will make his movie debut in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
Simu Liu (from Kim’s Convenience) will appear in the titular role. Appearing alongside Liu will be Awkwafina in an undisclosed role and Tony Leung as the (real) Mandarin.
Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. In theaters February 12, 2021.
WandaVision
Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch and Vision, from the Avengers, will return to screens in 2021. The series will see Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany return as their respective characters.
Teyonah Parris, whom Feige revealed would be playing the adult Monica Rambeau, who was introduced as a child in Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel will co-star alongside the pair. Marvel Studios’ WandaVision will arrive on Disney+ in the spring of 2021.
Loki
Marvel’s fan favourite villain, Loki, will also return to screens in an original series on Disney+. The series, starring Tom Hiddleston, will see the Asgardian God of Mischief causing a whole lot of chaos and even more trouble. Loki is due to release in the spring of 2021.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Benedict Cumberbatch will return for a second Doctor Strange film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
According to the announcement, Doctor Strange will be joined on screen by Scarlet Witch, played by Elizabeth Olsen. In another twist, the events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will connect with the Disney+ series Marvel Studios’ WandaVision.
Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will cast its spell in theaters May 7, 2021.
What If…?
The popular What If…? comic series is finally being adapted for screens!
Marvel Studios’ What If…? will be the first animated series in the MCU and will star Jeffrey Wright as the voice of The Watcher. Several actors from across the MCU will reprise their roles as voice talent. W
What If…? will present alternate realities in the Marvel Universe that are set to warp your world in the summer of 2021, exclusively on Disney+.
Hawkeye
Jumping across from the MCU to the small screen is Hawkeye. Jeremy Renner, who plays the titular character in the MCU, joined Kevin Feige onstage to share more details about the show. According to the reveal, Hawkeye will introduce the character of Kate Bishop, who has been hitting her mark in Marvel Comics.
Marvel Studios’ Hawkeye will come to Disney+ in the fall of 2021.
Thor: Love and Thunder
In a surprise reveal, Marvel announced the return of Natalie Portman as Jane Foster in the upcoming Thor film, directed by Taika Waititi. The actress will star alongside Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson. Marvel also confirmed that Jane Foster will become the female Thor, Goddess of Thunder in the film.
Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder will arrive in theaters November 5, 2021.
Black Widow
After years of speculation and casting rumours, Marvel today officially announced the stand-alone Black Widow film. Black Widow will star Scarlett Johansson reprising her MCU role. She will be joined by David Harbour as Alexei AKA The Red Guardian, Florence Pugh as Yelena, O-T Fagbenle as Mason, and Rachel Weisz as Melina.
Looks like fans will finally get the chance to learn more about Natasha Romanoff’s backstory. Marvel Studios’ Black Widow will come to theaters May 1, 2020.
Blade
To round up the series of epic announcements from Marvel, Kevin Feige introduced Mahershala Ali as the iconic vampire hunter Blade! Blade will be a reboot of the 1998 film of the same name. Though the announcement has been made, Blade will be part of Marvel’s Phase 5 plans.
But What About The Fantastic Four and the X-Men?
At the end of Marvel Studios’ Hall H panel, Kevin Feige confirmed that the Fantastic Four will, indeed, be coming to the MCU.
Feige revealed that a Fantastic Four film, set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is on the way, as well as mentioning Black Panther 2, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Captain Marvel 2. At present, no release date has been set.
He also coyly mentioned to the audience that “there’s no time left to talk about mutants, and how mutants fit into the MCU.” While this doesn’t officially confirm that the X-Men will join the MCU, it’s enough for fans to be wild with excitement at the possibility.