We came, we saw, we laughed, we cried. Avengers: Endgame took the world by storm last weekend, effectively bringing the team of Avengers we’ve known (and loved) for the past 10 years to a very emotional end. However, that doesn’t mean the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is over — it’s actually far from it. Between phase four and the Marvel content promised for Disney+, we’ll be seeing more of the characters we already know and love and meeting some brand new heroes in the years to come.
Here’s a look at what we know is (or, most likely is) on the way from Marvel Studios. Warning: many Endgame spoilers ahead!
Spider-Man: Far From Home
At this point, Far From Home is the only future MCU movie we know definitive information about. The second Spider-Man movie starring Tom Holland is set to hit theaters this summer on July 2. Originally assumed to be the start of phase four, this movie will actually be the final installment of phase three. We’ve already gotten one trailer, which gave us our first look at Jake Gyllenhaal as Mysterio and featured Samuel L. Jackson reprising his role as Nick Fury.
The film follows Peter Parker who, we now know, is dealing with the aftermath of Endgame and the loss of his mentor Tony Stark. It definitely seems as if the two movies will relate: Far From Home star Zendaya even posted on her Instagram story with an emotional face and a message that read, “Me after watching Endgame and knowing what I know about FFH.”
A Black Widow Movie
We may have said goodbye to Black Widow in Endgame, but fans will most likely have another chance to see their favorite spy-turned-hero on screen. Marvel hasn’t 100% confirmed this movie yet, but if the number of casting rumors are any indication, it seems like a sure thing. So far, Scarlett Johansson (of course), David Harbour, Rachel Weisz, O-T Fagbenle, and Florence Pugh have all been attached to the project, which is rumored to start filming this year.
In light of Endgame, this will most likely be a prequel exploring Natasha Romanoff’s pre-S.H.E.I.L.D. days and/or her earlier days as Black Widow.
Black Panther 2
We don’t know much about this movie, other than the fact that Ryan Coogler will return to direct and it is set to start filming in late 2019. It will be interesting to see how Wakanda deals with the five-year loss and sudden return of its king and princess, especially so soon after deciding to share its resources with the rest of the world.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
With James Gunn back in the director’s chair, things are finally on track for the third Guardians movie. Gunn will finish The Suicide Squad over at Warner Bros. before returning to the MCU, so we can expect to see this movie a bit later than its originally scheduled 2020 release.
There is already a script for the movie, which made people cry, but there’s no surprise there.
By the end of Endgame, we have most of the Guardians family back together again, with a possible new addition of Thor (Will Chris Hemsworth reprise his role?) and a past version of Gamora who will need to remeet all of her fellow Guardians in the present.
Doctor Strange 2
Most of the Doctor Strange cast, as well as director Scott Derrickson, are set to return for the second Doctor Strange movie. Rumor has it that filming is set to begin in 2020 and that Nightmare — the ruler of a Dream Dimension — will be the primary villain.
The Eternals
Now that the Avengers as we knew them are finished, it’s time for another team of heroes. Enter the Eternals, a group of humans who received special abilities as a result of genetic tampering from powerful space giants called the Celestials (If that word sounds familiar, it’s because Peter Quill’s father, Ego — from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 — was a Celestial).
Chloe Zhao is rumored to direct The Eternals’ big screen debut, with Angelina Jolie and Kumail Nanjiani reportedly cast in starring roles.
Shang-Chi
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has talked a lot about inclusivity and diversity in the MCU’s future. Shang-Chi would certainly follow in that track, giving us the first Asian-led superhero movie ever. Asian-American director Destin Daniel Cretton is reportedly on board to direct, but there is no casting, plot, or release information yet.
WandaVision
Interesting name choice aside, this series sounds like a great time for anyone who stans the powerful duo that is Vision and the Scarlet Witch. WandaVision is one of the MCU series announced for Disney’s new streaming service, Disney+. Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany will reprise their roles for the show. According to an interview Olsen gave at the Endgame premiere, the series will have six episodes and may also be set in the past (like way back, in the ‘50s).
It will be interesting to see exactly how this series unfolds, considering that Vision was not brought back in Endgame (because he was killed directly by Thanos and not by the snap).
Falcon and Winter Soldier
Another confirmed Disney+ series stars Captain America’s two BFFs: Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes. Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan are both set to reprise their roles for the series. If the series is set after the events of Endgame, it will be interesting to see how Wilson inheriting Captain America’s shield impacts his future in the MCU.
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A Loki Series
We have basically no information about this Disney+ series, but Tom Hiddleston is set to return as the fan-favorite God of Mischief. Fans weren’t sure what time period this series would cover, following Loki’s death in Infinity War. However, his sneaky escape with the Tesseract in Endgame most likely created an alternate timeline that would be the perfect starting point for the series.
A Hawkeye Series
This one is still technically in the rumors phase, but Jeremy Renner is reportedly picking up his bow and arrows one final time for this Disney+ series. According to reports, the series will follow Hawkeye as he trains his successor.
In addition to these specific projects, we do know some other general information about the future of the MCU. According to Box Office Mojo, this is the studio’s release schedule for the next few years:
May 1, 2020
July 1, 2020
Nov. 6, 2020
Feb. 12, 2021
May 7, 2021
Nov. 5, 2021
Feb. 18, 2022
May 6, 2022
We can also expect to see more of Brie Larson as Captain Marvel in the MCU’s future. Larson refuted reports that she signed a seven-movie contract with the studio, but Feige went on record earlier this year saying that “Captain Marvel is about to take the lead and be at the forefront of the entire Cinematic Universe.”
We also have some nonfiction Marvel content to look forward to on Disney+, including a documentary series produced by Supper Club.
Lastly, with the Disney/Fox merger completed, Marvel Studios and the MCU have access to the X-Men characters for the first time. However, Feige told io9 that it will “be a very long time” before the X-Men show up in the MCU. The current five-year plan for the MCU, he explains, was set before the merger.
So, while Endgame may have been a major ending for the MCU, it was nowhere close to the end.
Which upcoming project are you most excited for?
Photos: Marvel
