MCU Phase 4 Release Dates: Every Film Expected to Premiere in 2022
Phase Four begins the Post-Infinity Saga for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Disney+ has been releasing television shows such as WandaVision and Loki to continue expanding upon the MCU since January 2021. Phase Four’s only feature film is Black Widow so far, but that’s about to change. The rest of the year still has Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Eternals, and Spider-Man: No Way Home.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may impact the release dates that have been set for 2022 so far, but Marvel has yet to make any changes to their upcoming slate.
‘Doctor Strange 2’ is the first 2022 MCU film
The year 2022 will be kicked off with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness on March 25. Sam Raimi (Spider-Man) will direct the sequel to the 2016 movie. Scott Derrickson (Sinister) directed the first entry, although he stepped away from the sequel due to creative differences. Benedict Cumberbatch will reprise his role as the title character. Other cast members include Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, Rachel McAdams, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Xochitl Gomez.
The sequel will have a huge impact on the greater MCU. As a result, Marvel will likely create threats even bigger than Thanos. The consequences in WandaVision and the first season of Loki will be more fleshed out in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesss. Cumberbatch talked about the intensity that will be the upcoming sequel in an interview with The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show. “It’s pretty bonkers,” the actor said. “I will say the clue is in the title, it is the Multiverse of Madness, it’s pretty far out.”
Thor, the God of Thunder, returns to the MCU in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’
May 6 will mark Thor’s next outing. It’s a direct sequel to Thor: Ragnarok and marks the fourth solo movie for the hammer-wielding powerhouse. Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit) is returning to direct Thor: Love and Thunder. Chris Hemsworth will be reprising his leading role, alongside Tessa Thompson, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale, Chris Pratt, Jaimie Alexander, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillian, Vin Diesel, Jeff Goldblum, and more.
Thor: Love and Thunder is supposedly following the Mighty Thor comic book arc. Jane Foster will be taking her first stand as a new hero.
Return to Wakanda in ‘Black Panther 2’
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will the 30th installment of the MCU. July 8 is the current release date. Director Ryan Coogler (Black Panther) is returning for the sequel. The cast includes Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, and Dominique Thorne.
Unfortunately, Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman died in August 2020, but Marvel respectfully decided to not recast him.
‘The Marvels’ 2022 is the final MCU entry of the year
The Marvels is the official sequel to 2019’s Captain Marvel. The film is set to be the final MCU film of 2022 on Nov. 11. Nia DaCosta (Candyman) will direct the movie from a screenplay written by Megan McDonnell (WandaVision). Brie Larson will be returning to play Captain Marvel. Iman Vellani will play Kamala Kahn, also known as Ms. Marvel. Teyonah Parris will be playing Monica Rambeau. Samuel L. Jackson is also set to star as Nick Fury.
The Marvels will have more information released as Nov. 11 approaches.
Phase Four of the MCU has an abundance of exciting titles. The year 2021 introduces the characters of Shang-Chi and the Eternals. However, there will only be MCU sequels in the year 2022. With the loss of some familiar faces, there will be some new names joining the ranks of the MCU moving forward. Next year will certainly be a defining year with where the Post-Infinity Saga is headed.
