The 5 MCU Phase 4 Projects That Will Control the Phase 5 Narrative
While each Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) installment to come out of Phase 4 will undoubtedly sculpt the Phase 5 narrative — as Kevin Feige is a master of interconnected plotlines and character arcs — some seem more likely than others to determine the future of the franchise.
Some Disney+ shows and movies — via character introductions and alleged storylines — will be vital in cementing the groundwork for Phase 5, as opposed to offering tangential associations or tidbits. So, let’s do some theorizing, and dive into the works most likely to determine a phase that will not come to fruition for quite some time.
1. ‘WandaVision’
WandaVision, reports suggest, will directly segue into Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, making the Disney+ installment pivotal, as the multiverse will become the Infinity Stones of the MCU’s expanding saga. Reports suggest that Wanda’s grief will lead her to fracture reality, bringing Vision back to life, which will lead Doctor Strange with quite the mess to clean up.
Not to mention, following the brief teaser for the show, fans noticed that Scarlet Witch looked pregnant; meaning, her twins could be joining the soiree — two characters who could easily come to take part in the Young Avengers (if and when such a mash-up come to the surface).
2. ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’
Thor: Love and Thunder will presumably be Chris Hemsworth’s final bow; meaning, Jane Foster’s Mighty Thor will take over for the God of Thunder in future appearances. And, if the A-Force is truly on the horizon — with Captain Marvel set to lead the all-female Avengers team — this movie will be integral in cementing Jane Foster’s value and her potential to provide assistance on a team of superheroes.
Furthermore, with Valkyrie as King of Asgard, the movie will lay the groundwork for Valkyrie’s ascendence to the throne, determining how a change of power will influence when, and the manner in which, Asgard comes into the picture for mash-up films.
3. ‘Black Widow’
Though Black Widow will be a prequel, leading many to believe that the movie’s narrative will be unable to shape the future of the landscape, such a presumption seems too shortsighted given Kevin Feige’s brilliance. Rumor has it that the movie will serve to introduce General Ross’ Thunderbolts team — a motley crew of heroes and villains who will come to take part in future MCU installments.
With Yelena Belova also set to appear — another character known by the name Black Widow — Marvel Studios may find a way to transition the Black Widow title from Natasha to Yelena, leaving a new character to fulfill the responsibility in future installments.
4. ‘Hawkeye’
In the Disney+ show Hawkeye, Clint Barton will likely train — and work alongside — an individual who takes his place in the comics: Kate Bishop. If Clint Barton introduces Kate Bishop, he will likely be introducing a future member of the New / Young Avengers in the process. Meaning, both Hawkeye and WandaVision (if all current rumors turn out to be true) will do some of the heavy lifting when it comes to the future Avengers team destined to define the MCU.
5. ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’
Marvel President Kevin Feige has already made clear that “the multiverse is the next step in the evolution of the MCU.” In short, the multiverse will be the MCU’s focal point for the foreseeable future, serving as a way to introduce characters from different parallel universes, and it will likely serve as a way to introduce the Fantastic Four or the X-Men in a natural way, as the previously owned Fox entities are finally where they belong.
