After lying dormant for over a year due to the pandemic. Most importantly, the beloved Marvel Studios came roaring back. Whereas last year in 2021, with nine titles premiering in theaters and on Disney Plus. Amongst them was the first billion-dollar grossing movie of the pandemic, “Spider-Man: No Way Home”. Moreover, Marvel Studios’ first-ever animated series, “What If…?”; and Marvel Studios’ first-ever Emmy nominees (and winners), “WandaVision” and “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.”
In particular, the theatrical features “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and “Eternals”. They introduced a cavalcade of new superheroes and new mythologies into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while the Disney Plus series “Loki” cracked open the multiverse for the first time in the MCU. With its opening, the pandora box of storytelling shenanigans. Meanwhile, with the release of “Black Widow” and “Hawkeye,” two new characters debuted — Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld). They have taken on their respective heroic monikers from the OG Avengers, whose origin stories have sparked the curiosity of the extensive Marvel fandom.
Marvel’s Disney Plus Projects
After all of that, one might expect Marvel to take a breather, but the studio’s slate is only growing larger: There are at least 24 more titles in the works for 2022 and beyond. On the feature film side, Marvel will release sequels to “Doctor Strange” with director Sam Raimi and “Thor” with director Taika Waititi. Moreover, there is “Black Panther” with director Ryan Coogler, “Captain Marvel” with director Nia DaCosta, “Guardians of the Galaxy” with director James Gunn and “Ant-Man” with director Peyton Reed. As well as long-anticipated reboots of “Blade” with actor Mahershala Ali and “Fantastic Four” with director Jon Watts. I need a breather just listing these Marvel titles.
On Disney Plus, we’ll see adaptations of “Ms. Marvel” with newcomer Iman Vellani, “She-Hulk” with Tatiana Maslany, and Jameela Jamil making her MCU debut, and the lovable Mark Ruffalo. Whereas “Moon Knight” with Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke, “Secret Invasion” with Olivia Colman and Samuel L. Jackson. And who can forget a “WandaVision” spinoff starring Kathryn Hahn and a “Hawkeye” spinoff starring Alaqua Cox; and the second seasons of “Loki” and “What If…?”. That is not all, folks, there is even more. Yes, screamed every Marvel fan reading this article.
Marvel Films in Development
There are also several more titles in development, including a series set in the Kingdom of Wakanda. Furthermore, a feature film sequel to “Captain America” starring Anthony Mackie. Wow, the two ultimate favorites of the fans.
And after the debut of “What If…?”, multiple animated titles are on their way to Disney Plus. Mainly including Marvel Studios’ first swing at “X-Men” following Disney’s acquisition in 2019 of 20th Century Fox.
The Marvel chief creative officer Kevin Feige and his team of creative executives at Marvel Studios detail their next steps. Specifically, the MCU’s post-“Avengers: Endgame” slate represents the most aggressive creative expansion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since 2012’s “The Avengers” re-defined what was possible with superhero storytelling.
Here is a detailed list of the exciting Marvel television shows and films set to hit streaming platforms and theatres:
1. Moon Knight ( 30th March 2022)
“Embrace the chaos ”
– Arthur Harrow ( Ethan Hawke)
The dark, gritty corner of the MCU begins with Moon Knight, an upcoming American web television series. The multi-personality character is based on the Marvel Comics superhero of the same name. It is the nineteenth television series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And the tenth installment in Phase Four. The series is produced by Marvel Studios and will be released on Disney+.
Its first season will premiere on March 30, 2022.
Here is a synopsis of Season 1 to pique your interest:
The series follows Steven Grant, a mild-mannered gift-shop employee. He becomes plagued with blackouts and memories of another life. Steven discovers he has Dissociative identity disorder and shares a body with mercenary Marc Spector. As Steven/Marc’s enemies converge upon them. They must navigate their complex identities while being thrust into a deadly mystery among the powerful gods of Egypt.
The Superbowl TV Spot
Steven Grant is not okay. If the latest glimpse at the upcoming Disney+ series Moon Knight, which made debut during the Super Bowl, made that very clear. For one thing, Oscar Isaac is still rolling with that baffling accent. Grant’s whole world is upside down and he’s having trouble keeping it all together. As he says in the trailer, “I can’t tell the difference between my waking life and dreams.” And with Arthur Harrow encouraging him to embrace the chaos, it certainly sounds like things are about to get even messier for Grant.
The Moon Knight trailer features an eerie use of Kid Cudi’s “Day ‘N’ Nite.” It’s certainly one of the better, if not the best, uses of modern music in a Marvel trailer. The song: excellent. The context: even better. The only question that remains is when is Scott Mescudi getting that MCU call?
Anyway, in addition to releasing a Moon Knight trailer, Marvel Studios released a whole lot of new images. They feature our beleaguered protagonist, Steven Grant, the very untrustworthy Harrow, and even the titular mercenary himself. Plus a few incredible shots of Grant coming face to face with his other counterparts within himself. To experience it yourself, click here. You catch the first season of Moon Knight here.
Cast of Moon Knight
Starring Cast
- Oscar Isaac as Marc Spector/Steven Grant/Moon Knight
- Ethan Hawke as Arthur Harrow
- May Calamawy as Layla
- Gaspard Ulliel as Anton Mogart/Midnight Man, may he rest in peace
- Loic Mabanza as a to-be-confirmed character
- To-be-announced actors for Jean-Paul Duchamp and Marlene Alraune
Recurring Cast
- Lucy Thackeray as Donna
- To-be-announced actors and actresses for the roles of Elias Spector, Mr Spector, Mrs. Spector, Eddie Silver, and Willow Silver.
2. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness ( May 6th, 2022)
As seen in the end credits Spider-Man: No Way Home, ( Still haven’t watched the film as it has not been released on a streaming platform yet ), Marvel Studios has officially debuted the teaser trailer and poster for the highly-anticipated Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. It is a thrilling ride through the Multiverse with Doctor Strange, his trusted friend and Sorcerer Supreme Wong, and Wanda Maximoff aka Scarlet Witch.
Sadly, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness only arrives in theaters on May 6, 2022! Great, another Marvel film that I will have to wait to watch on a streaming platform.
Here is what we know so far:
In the teaser, released one month ago, Doctor Strange doesn’t heed Wong’s warning, “Don’t cast that spell. It’s too dangerous.” Strange realizes they “tampered with the stability of spacetime.” Mordo‘s voice threatens, “Your desecration of reality will not go unpunished,” as Strange steps out into what appears to be the Mirror Dimension.
Strange pleads, “But I never meant for any of this to happen,” as viewers see glimpses of an abandoned Sanctum Sanctorum, mayhem in the streets. And Christine Palmer’s wedding to someone other than Strange. Moreover, we see Wanda Maximoff’s glowing hands and a battered Wong.
Strange visits Wanda at her new home in a remote area. Wanda declares, “I made mistakes and people were hurt,” not realizing Strange is not there to discuss the events in Westview, as seen in Marvel Studios’ WandaVision. He needs her help regarding the Multiverse.
Mordo reminds Strange, “The greatest threat to our universe is you,” just as Strange comes face to face, well, with his face, who smugly states, “Things just got out of hand.”
The Cast and Director
The Sam Raimi-directed sequel stars returning cast Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange), Benedict Wong (Wong), Rachel McAdams (Christine Palmer), and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Mordo), as well as the addition of Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda Maximoff) and newcomer Xochitl Gomez who will portray America Chavez, a new fan-favorite from the comics.
The New Trailer and Superbowl TV Spot
Our first X-Men connection? Zombies? Villain Wanda? Jurassic Park? This trailer has everything. The video debuted during the latest Super Bowl, bringing back familiar faces and introducing new characters into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now that the multiverse is official, the possibilities are virtually unlimited. As always, Marvel Studios likes to keep their card close to its chest and reveal just tiny details about what’s next. Even so, it’s pretty sure that Marvel fans are in for a treat on May 6. You can experience the madness of the multiverse here.
3. Television Series: She-Hulk
She-Hulk is an upcoming American web television series, based on the Marvel Comics superheroine of the same name. It is the twentieth television series in the MCU and an installment of Phase Four. The series is by the ever-giving Marvel Studios and is set for release on Disney+ this summer.
The first season will be packaged in ten episodes and will premiere in 2022, sometimes this summer, with no concrete confirmation yet.
Synopsis of Season One
Cast
- Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk, an interesting casting choice.
- The effervescent Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk
- Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky/Abomination
- Renée Elise Goldsberry as Amelia
- Jameela Jamil as Mary MacPherran/Titania. I am screaming to see her emulate this role on screen.
- Ginger Gonzaga as a to-be-confirmed character
- Josh Segarra and Megan Thee Stallion to receive confirmation of characters
- To-be-given confirmation for actors for the roles of Morris Walters and Elaine Walters
4. Ms.Marvel
Ms. Marvel is a newer character to Marvel comics. This series has grabbed the world’s imagination and Marvel is very excited to announce Iman Vellani in the role of Kamala Khan. Ms. Marvel, is an original series by Marvel Studios and is coming sometime in the summer of 2021 to the DisneyPlus streaming platform.
Whereas the other cast members include Aramis Knight, Saagar Shaikh, Rish Shah, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Matt Lintz, Yasmeen Fletcher, Laith Naki, Azher Usman, Travina Springer, and Nimra Bucha.
In particular, the series has multiple directors at its helm, such as Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah, Meera Menon, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. Most importantly, we can not only expect to witness the first Muslim superhero from Marvel Studios. But also a great variety in the direction in each of the episodes.
5. Thor: Love and Thunder ( July 8, 2022)
In particular, the silky long-haired, now short-haired beloved actor Chris Hemsworth will be coming back to his signature Thor franchise Thor: Love and Thunder. Subsequently, the fourth film in the Thor franchise is an upcoming American superhero film based on the beloved Marvel Comics character Thor. Whereas the film has Marvel Studios as its producer and distribution is by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
However, it is a direct sequel to Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and the 29th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Director and Cast
The film’s director is Taika Waititi, who is the writer of the screenplay, along with Jennifer Kaytin Robinson.
The film stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor, alongside Tessa Thompson, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale, Chris Pratt, Jaimie Alexander, Pom Klementieff, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Sean Gunn, Jeff Goldblum, and Vin Diesel. Stars galore and the Guardians of the Galaxy will be an infusion in Thor: Love and Thunder following the events of Avengers: Endgame.
The Thor: Love and Thunder Filming
By January 2018, Hemsworth and Waititi had discussed plans for a sequel to Ragnarok. Love and Thunder was officially announced in July 2019. Specifically, Hemsworth, Waititi, Thompson, and Portman—who did not appear in Ragnarok— are all attached to return to the franchise.
Specifically, Waititi said the film would adapt elements from Jason Aaron’s run in the Mighty Thor comic book. Whereas in the comics, we can see Portman’s character Jane Foster taking on the mantle and powers of Thor whilst suffering from cancer. Most importantly, Robinson joined the film in February 2020, with Waititi later describing it as a romance film. The filming began in January 2021 in Sydney, Australia, and concluded at the beginning of June.
Thor: Love and Thunder is scheduled to be released in the United States on July 8, 2022, as part of Phase Four of the MCU.
6. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ( November 11th, 2022)
The film is a sequel to Black Panther and Avengers: Endgame. Specifically, it is the thirtieth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the seventh film from Phase Four of the MCU.
Most importantly, the film will hit theaters on November 11, 2022.
Synopsis
Will T’Challa be recast?
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige made a revelation regarding Chadwick’s role as T’Challa, who was the King of Wakanda and also the Black Panther, would not be recast. In particular, according to a statement by Kevin Feige on Twitter, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will “explore the world of Wakanda and the rich characters introduced in the first film.” Whereas there was an online petition with the hashtag #RecastT’Challa trending as Chadwick Boseman would want another Black Actor to continue his legacy.
Other members of the Original Cast Return
According to People, Danai Gurira, Daniel Kaluuya, Winston Duke, Lupita Nyong’o, and Angela Basset will all be headed back to the wonderful world of Wakanda.
Specifically, Black Panther villain Michael B Jordan seemingly died in the first installation. Whereas the actor claimed he’d be open to returning to the series if the opportunity arose.
“There’s always a love I have for those characters and Erik is one of those that mean a lot to me,” he said Entertainment Tonight.
“So only if it’s the right thing and it’s impactful and if I could add something to it. If it means something, then, yeah, I want to be a part of that journey.”
Conclusion
These are the projects Marvel announced and datthe es of release are potential. Most importantly, they can vary depending on the ongoing pandemic. Consequently, they represent the entirety of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s fourth phase. It will feature several film sequels – but at least one new concept will likely become your latest Marvel obsession.
