Marvel Studios Reveals Phase 4 Lineup At SDCC – Here’s Everything Announced
Marvel Studios wrapped up the entirety of the Marvel Cinematic Universe earlier this year with Avengers Endgame, the event-film marking the end of the company’s first three Phases of superhero stories. Following the latest release of Spider-Man: Far From Home, the next few years of under the superhero banner had yet to be revealed in an official capacity, plans for a formal Phase 4 announcement being saved for this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.
Now that this year’s SDCC festivities have kicked off, Marvel has laid out a large number of their projects for Phase 4, including new films, TV shows, and the return of some unexpected franchises. Studio head Kevin Feige alongside a massive collection of MCU actors confirmed expected follow-ups such as Captain Marvel 2, Black Panther 2, and James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, as well as several more immediate projects planned for over the next few years. A full rundown of Marvel’s announcements can be read below.
‘Black Widow’
Up first at the presentation was ‘Black Widow’, a Scarlett Johansson-led solo movie starring The Avengers’ seductive black-ops assassin. The film, while entering and completing production over the last year, went largely unconfirmed by Marvel until this latest SDCC. For the occasion, the studio pulled out all the stops in showcasing the Russian spy adventure; revealing the stunning cast of David Harbour, Florence Pugh, and Rachel Weisz, but also a thrilling trailer played specially for those in attendance at Hall H.
Deadline describes the footage as “kickass,” depicting the superheroine’s intense and action-packed exploits in Budapest, Hungary. “Johansson’s Black Widow breaks into an antique European apartment and fights knife and fist with Pugh’s character who we learn is Ilena, Black Widow’s sister,” the outlet recalls. “During the last part of the trailer, Black Widow faces off with a hooded skull armored figure.” Black Widow releases in theaters on May 1st, 2020.
Just announced in Hall H at #SDCC, Marvel Studios’ BLACK WIDOW with Scarlett Johansson, David Harbour, Florence Pugh, O-T Fagbenle, and Rachel Weisz. Directed by Cate Shortland. In theaters May 1, 2020. pic.twitter.com/7WGECDIw3t
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 21, 2019
‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ – New Series
A Disney+ series following the super-powered duo of Falcon and Winter Soldier has seen teases from Marvel for a while now, with actors Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan set to reprise their notable roles from the MCU. While the two Avengers members don’t particularly find themselves on equal ground in the films, they’re nonetheless tied by a loyal friendship with one Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America.
With Cap laying down his shield at the end of Avengers Endgame, Marvel confirmed ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ will pick up where the record-breaking film left off, Falcon filling the shoes of the Star-Spangled Man. Inheriting the red, white, and blue beacon of liberty also appears to signal the return of old foes, as ‘Civil War’ villain Baron Zemo (Daniel Brühl) is confirmed to be back, this time donning the comic book character’s iconic purple mask. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier hits Disney+ in Fall 2020.
Just announced in Hall H at #SDCC, Marvel Studios’ THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER, an original series with Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan and Daniel Brühl. Streaming exclusively on Disney+, Fall 2020. pic.twitter.com/FmFMKWUrhO
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 21, 2019
‘The Eternals’
A race of cosmic champions, The Eternals are one of Marvel’s more relatively obscure comic book factions, though it appears moviegoers will know them well after they receive their own film in 2020. Written by Matthew and Ryan Firpo and directed by Chloé Zhao, the film is to adapt the comic series created by Jack Kirby, premising a group of godlike beings (Eternals) in their immortal confrontation against a race of similarly-powerful beings called The Deviants.
As the film’s heroes originate from the cosmos, it’s fitting that the production is also a decidedly star-studded affair. Announced by Marvel, a massive cast of very recognizable actors were confirmed, including the likes of Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden (Icarus), Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Brian Tyree Henry (Fastos), Salma Hayek, Lia McHugh and Don Lee (Gilgamesh). The Eternals is scheduled to open on November 6th, 2020.
Just announced in Hall H at #SDCC, Marvel Studios’ THE ETERNALS with Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Brian Tyree Henry, Salma Hayek, Lia McHugh and Don Lee. Directed by Chloé Zhao. In theaters November 6, 2020. pic.twitter.com/k6ZgfX38VW
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 21, 2019
‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’
Marvel’s Master of Kung Fu (no, not Iron Fist) is also finally getting his own film! The fantastical martial arts source material is set to get a mainline Marvel Studios film, it sporting a cast of principally Chinese descent. Chinese-Canadian actor Simu Liu taking up the mantle of the titular Shang-Chi, with prolific actor Tony Leung set to be the film’s new incarnation of The Mandarin. Rapper/actress Awkwafina is also a confirmed member of the cast in an undisclosed capacity.
Though no plot details were revealed, the film’s “Ten Rings” title suggests an all-new confrontation with comic book villain The Mandarin. Though we’ve seen a version of this struggle play out in Iron Man 3, Shang-Chi is expected to present a much more traditional incarnation of the foe, one employing the use of mysticism and an array of power rings rather than just adopting the mantle in name only. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings open on February 12th, 2021.
Just announced in Hall H at #SDCC, Marvel Studios’ SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS, with Simu Liu, Awkwafina and Tony Leung, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. In theaters February 12, 2021. pic.twitter.com/VXaqJ5uN6B
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 21, 2019
‘WandaVision’ – New Series
As Vision was an unfortunate casualty of Thanos’ universe-ending plans, it was though we’d never see the AI again following the conclusion of the Infinity Saga. However, the caped intelligence is now apparently reuniting with Wanda/Scarlet Witch in a new Disney+ series called WandaVision. While the exact means of this resurrection is currently unclear, it’s expected that Wanda’s vast reality-warping abilities from the comics will come into play, actress Elizabeth Olsen confirming the show is “going to get weird” during the show’s SDCC presentation.
In addition to this proclamation of weirdness, WandaVision will also see a past character reintroduced to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Following her young appearance in the 90s-set Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau was confirmed to return in an adult capacity by actress Teyonah Parris. In the comics, Rambeau wields incredible god-like abilities of her own as Spectrum, able to transform and manipulate various forms of energy. It’s unknown if Parris will adopt her heroic mantle, but it presents a welcome addition to the cast either way. WandaVision premieres on Disney+ in Spring 2021.
Just announced in Hall H at #SDCC, Marvel Studios’ WANDAVISION, an original series with Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany and Teyonah Parris. Streaming exclusively on Disney+, Spring 2021. pic.twitter.com/6lIiMJdfYw
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 21, 2019
‘Loki’ – New Series
While details have been disclosed about the God of Mischief’s next adventure before, Disney recently unveiled something new about the aptly-titled ‘Loki,’ namely a logo for the upcoming Disney+ series. Tom Hiddleston’s charismatic appearance notwithstanding, that was largely the extent of the show’s new information, though, there is a bit of added context following the events of Avengers Endgame. The movie memorably features Loki’s escape with the Tesseract, premising the villain’s interdimensional adventures set up for the show. Loki premieres on Disney+ in Spring 2021.
Just announced in Hall H at #SDCC, Marvel Studios’ LOKI, an original series with Tom Hiddleston. Streaming exclusively on Disney+, Spring 2021. pic.twitter.com/Ntb8g9SSwq
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 21, 2019
‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’
Avengers Infinity War may have seen Doctor Strange disappear in a cloud of dust, but Endgame definitively brought the sorcerer back for a multiverse’s worth of sequels. The ‘Strange’ follow-up has now been unveiled for 2021, the original movie’s director Scott Derrickson confirmed to once again helm ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.’ This isn’t the only confirmed return at Comic-Con, as WandaVision’s Elizabeth Olsen also came back to reveal her co-starring role in the upcoming outing.
Bringing together the magical prowess of both Benedict Cumberbatch’s Strange and Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch is surely a welcome pairing, especially as neither magician has yet explored the true extent of their powers on-screen. ‘Multiverse of Madness’ looks to be pursuing that weirdness and beyond, as the sequel is teased as the most horrific entry of the MCU thus far. Director Scott Derrickson described the effort as “the first scary MCU film,” though admittedly still within the realm of PG-13. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness opens May 7th, 2021.
Just announced in Hall H at #SDCC, Marvel Studios’ DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS with Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen. Scott Derrickson returns as director. In theaters May 7, 2021. pic.twitter.com/HtF68htiB1
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 21, 2019
‘What If…?’ – New Series
We last heard official word about Marvel’s What If series back in back in April when the Disney Plus streaming service was formally unveiled. The animated show generally follows the premise of the comic source material, seeing a number of scenarios unfold from new and altered perspectives. One would expect such one-off stories to have little connecting ties, but Marvel has confirmed otherwise in announcing a host for the program: Jeffrey Wright (of Westworld fame) voicing ominous cosmic entity, The Watcher. ‘What If…?’ debuts on Disney+ sometime in Summer 2021.
Just announced in Hall H at #SDCC, Marvel Studios’ WHAT IF…?, the first animated series in the MCU, with Jeffrey Wright as the voice of The Watcher and many actors from across the MCU reprising their roles as voice talent. Streaming exclusively on Disney+, Summer 2021. pic.twitter.com/el6etc3xZH
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 21, 2019
‘Hawkeye’ – New Series
A Hawkeye series has been teased since the reveal of Disney+, but a show based on the archer’s adventures was finally formally revealed during SDCC. While not much else was confirmed about the forthcoming program, it was said to feature’ the series main incarnation of Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner), as well as the character’s comics-based protege Kate Bishop. The Hawkeye series’ will debut in the Fall of 2021.
Just announced in Hall H at #SDCC, Marvel Studios’ HAWKEYE with Jeremy Renner, an original series that will also introduce Kate Bishop. Streaming exclusively on Disney+, Fall 2021. pic.twitter.com/qPH8M2TQSj
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 21, 2019
‘Thor: Love and Thunder’
In another surprising development, a new Thor movie was confirmed by Marvel, the thunder god’s fourth entry notably marking the return of actress Natalie Portman. This time around, Portman’s character of Jane Foster is set to take inspiration from more recent comic book storylines (namely Jason Aron’s The Mighty Thor run), Marvel confirming she’ll take up the hammer-brandishing mantle of Thor in the upcoming fourquel.
This news comes just days after director Taika Waititi was confirmed to be helming a second Thor film following his vibrant tonal-turn in 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok. Introducing Lady Thor is surely serious business, though that doesn’t appear to be compromising Waititi’s comedic sensibilities, especially if the film’s outrageous title is anything to go by. ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ is scheduled to release in theaters on November 5th, 2021.
Just announced in Hall H at #SDCC, Marvel Studios’ THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER with Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson and Natalie Portman. Taika Waititi returns as director. In theaters November 5, 2021. pic.twitter.com/7RRkOYWTQM
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 21, 2019
‘Blade’ & ‘Fantastic Four’
While the aforementioned announcements would be more than plenty to fuel the Marvel hype train for the next two years (let alone a few decades), the comic book movie studio left fans to mull over a few lasting nuggets of information. New reboots of Blade and the Fantastic Four were also confirmed to be in the works, the former announced with fan-favorite actor Mahershala Ali cast as the titular vampire hunter.
This news is only months removed from Disney’s unprecedented acquisition of 21st Century Fox, Marvel seemingly going all-in on bringing their long-separated properties into the MCU. More formerly Fox-owned franchises such as X-Men are also expected to also receive reboots down the line, though there wasn’t much suggesting these will arrive anytime soon. The infamously-delayed New Mutants is currently the only X-Men movie awaiting release, the grandfathered adaptation slated to come out in April of next year.
Just announced in Hall H at #SDCC, Marvel Studios’ BLADE with Mahershala Ali. pic.twitter.com/mtrDBy5OV0
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 21, 2019
What do you think? Are you wowed by Marvel Studios’ incredibly diverse film slate, or do you find the lack of Deadpool news disturbing? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Don’t Feed the Gamers on Twitter and Facebook to be informed of the latest gaming and entertainment news 24 hours a day! For more headlines recently featured on DFTG, check out these next few news stories:
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Phone-browsing Wikipedia in one hand and clutching his trusty controller in the other, the legendary Eric Hall spreads his wealth of knowledge as a writer for Don't Feed the Gamers. Be sure to catch his biweekly "Throwback Thursday" segment for a nostalgic look at trivia from the past.
