Reel Facts & Opinions: Marvel's Marvelous Weekend

This past weekend, history was made when Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS ENDGAME, their epic conclusion to their 11-year run of superhero films, surpassed AVATAR as the all-time worldwide box office champion. Such news would normally be enough for one weekend, but leave it to Marvel and parent company Disney to top their own headlines. 

The event was San Diego Comic Con; the annual pop-culture exposition which has become a place for studios to showcase their upcoming projects. This year, Marvel dominated the event by revealing their plans for their next “phase” of films…as they continue to explore and expand their cinematic universe that began in 2008 with IRON MAN. Here now is a rundown of their upcoming films, occupying what they are calling Phase 4 of the series.

THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER

The news had come out earlier in the week that there would be a new solo film for our favorite God of Thunder, once again played by Chris Hemsworth, and that it would be directed by Taika Waititi, who helmed the third outing for Thor, RAGNORAK in 2017. But the first of many surprises came with the announcement that Natalie Portman would be returning to the franchise, not only as Thor’s love interest Jane Foster, but as a female Thor. The storyline is inspired by the latest comic storyline in which Jane becomes worthy to wield the power of Thor. To be released November 5^th, 2021. 

ETERNALS 

Marvel has always found a perfect balance in making sequels while launching new product, and this next phase will be no different. ETERNALS will arrive in November 2020, and will be based on the comic that centers on super-powered god-like beings called Celestials, and their rivals called Deviants. It will star Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Brian Tyree Henry, and Salma Hayek. 

SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS

Another brand-new addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This comic was inspired by the wave of kung-fu films in the 1970’s, and followed a fighting master who gains the ability to create replicas of himself. Chinese-American actor Simu Liu plays the lead role with Awkwafina co-starring. It is slated for release in February 2021. 

DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS

Benedict Cumberbatch reprises his role as the mystical wizard Dr. Strange in his second solo outing. Promised to the first “scary film” in the MCU with elements of gothic horror. Elizabeth Olsen returns as the Scarlet Witch, with returning director Scott Derrickson behind the camera. The good doctor returns May 2021. 

BLADE

Marvel’s comic-con panel ended in a jaw-dropper. Two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali was announced as the new Blade. The sword-wielding, vampire-hunting hero was introduced in the comics in 1973, and had a short run of movies with Wesley Snipes in the role. No details were given about the storyline or a release date. 

…Other films announced were BLACK WIDOW, which is now filming with Scarlett Johansson reprising the role in an adventure taking place before the events of ENDGAME. There were also teases for BLACK PANTHER 2, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3, CAPTAIN MARVEL 2, and the long-awaited return of THE FANTASTIC FOUR…all films expected to start appearing by 2022 at the earliest. 

What does all this mean? This lineup looks smaller-scale compared to what we’ve seen from Marvel in the last five years, but after the emotional wallop that ENDGAME gave us, now seems like the perfect time to slow down and lay down some new tracks…as new characters enter the universe once defended by Captain America and Iron Man. In a way they are back to Phase 1, and it is exciting to see them start all over. Our beloved Avengers may be done, or maybe even on hiatus, but it seems this universe will always have space to explore.