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Captain Marvel 2 is on its way, folks.

In some circles of the internet, Brie Larson might be a divisive figure. But in Hollywood, money talks. So Marvel Studios was never going to replace the Oscar winner in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, nor cancel plans for a sequel to Captain Marvel. When a film makes $1.1 billion, those actively rooting against a sequel are, quite frankly, fooling themselves.

Yet, Marvel Studios has been taking its time on developing Captain Marvel 2. Part of this perhaps is due to Larson’s desire for a break from the limelight. But more likely, Marvel wanted to allow the MCU to breathe for a moment after the game-changing events of Avengers: Endgame. Now that the MCU’s Phase 4 is about to kick off, the gloves are off. Captain Marvel 2 is off and running.

Brie Larson on the red carpet
Brie Larson on the red carpet | Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Is Brie Larson returning for the sequel?

As we alluded to, Larson is most certainly returning as Carol Danvers in the upcoming Captain Marvel 2. Reportedly, her contract at the moment might not include a fifth Avengers movie. But it absolutely has a sequel clause.

At the moment, it’s unclear who else will join the cast of the movie. Samuel L. Jackson is a possibility, especially considering his real-life friendship with Larson. The way the first film ended, we could also see Ben Mendelsohn’s Talos back or Jude Law’s Yon-Rogg. However, the likelihood of more Earth-bound characters like Maria Rambeau (Lashana Lynch) probably hinges on Captain Marvel 2‘s setting.

Given how Captain Marvel took place in the 1990s, a sequel could easily pick up the narrative threads left unresolved. Such an approach would allow Captain Marvel 2 to fill in some gigantic story gaps. After all, more than 20 years passed between Carol Danvers’ origin story and her initial appearance in Avengers: Endgame.

When does ‘Captain Marvel 2’ fall in the timeline?

But it doesn’t sound like Marvel Studios is interested in lingering in the past. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Captain Marvel 2 will be set in the “present day.” This, of course, opens up the possibility for other Avengers to play supporting roles. In much the same way, Captain America: The Winter Soldier integrated Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Nick Fury (Jackson) into Steve Rogers’ (Chris Evans) solo franchise.

Speaking of Black Widow, her standalone film presents another option. Fans expect Black Widow to be set between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. So maybe Captain Marvel 2 can also take a similar “interquel” approach.

Early in Avengers: Endgame, there’s a five-year time jump wherein Carol Danvers works alongside the other Avengers. Setting Captain Marvel 2 during this period would place the movie’s setting as 2018. This could still be considered “present day” and allow Carol Danvers to team with the surviving Avengers to contend with a post-Snap universe.

Who will direct Marvel’s ‘Captain Marvel 2’?

The big question still unanswered about Captain Marvel 2 is who will step into the director’s chair. THR reports the first film’s directors, Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, will not return. However, the duo might stay within the MCU, possibly taking on a Disney+ series down the line.

Much like the upcoming Doctor Strange sequel, Captain Marvel 2 is currently without a filmmaker to lead the production. Right now, it sounds like Marvel Studios is on the lookout for a female director to take on the sequel. But there’s no indication on any names who might be in contention.

In 2020, four of the biggest comic book movies — including Marvel’s Black Widow and The Eternals — are directed by women. And there’s certainly no shortage of other talented female filmmakers out there right now. Hopefully, we’ll learn sooner rather than later who will take charge of Carol Danvers’ second solo adventure.

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