Started in 2008 with Iron man, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), or Marvel Cinematic Universe, is one of the greatest cinematic sagas. Having more than 30 films already released, the franchise is divided into more or less thematic phases, which organize the superhero storyline told during the releases.
In addition to movies, Marvel television series such as Loki AND She-Hulk, which greatly increases the number of productions involved in this universe. Below, we have prepared a guide with the main events of each phase, their movies and series, as well as predictions for the next phases.
Phase 1: the first steps of the Marvel universe
This is where the foundations of the Marvel universe in cinemas are formed. Despite being part of the so-called Infinity Saga, the outcome of which only occurs in Phase 3, this first phase only outlines the great threat of Thanos, which we would see years later. That’s because Marvel’s arrival as a studio was a gamble surrounded by uncertainty. Thus, the good overall box office performance of these films ensured the building of the long inaugural story. There are six films in this first phase:
In short, they are films that introduce these characters, with a larger plot developed from post-credits scenes. Therefore, the culmination of Phase 1 is the gathering of these heroes The Avengers, after being presented individually. It is also in this chapter that we get a broader view of the cosmic threat of Thanos, which will be further developed in later stages.
Phase 2: sequels and new heroes
The only character thus far to have two solo films, Iron Man has once again been tasked with starting Marvel’s Phase 2. Here new clues about the saga involving the Infinity Stones are shown, but still in the background, as in Guardians of the Galaxy, which marks the entrance to the core of space characters. Thanos himself also appears more prominently in the film. Again, there are six films:
Also noteworthy is the development of hero films that cover other sub-genres, such as the winter soldier (espionage) e Ant man (comedy). In addition to delving into the development of protagonists such as Thor, Iron Man and Captain America, it is a stage that makes room for secondary characters who gain more importance during the stages, such as Scarlet Witch, Vision, Falcon and Bucky.
Stage 3: Forward, Avengers!
For many, the best phase of the MCU. Undoubtedly, it is also the most ambitious. Again, there’s a balance between introducing new characters and further developing familiar heroes. Along with all this, the Infinity Saga also moves forward. However, before Thanos threatens all existence, we have a large gathering of Avengers and aggregates Civil warwhich highlights the antagonism between Captain America and Iron Man. Even though the two end up overcoming these differences, there is a rift between the team.
Among the debutantes, the highlight is Pantera Negra, initially presented in Civil war and then have the movie on its own. Equally important is the arrival of Captain Marvel, the first MCU heroine to get her own movie. However, there is a change of tack in Thor, which turns into comedy. And finally, we have the result of the first major story arc of the franchise, with the final showdown of all the heroes against Thanos.
Phase 4: an (almost) new Marvel
The conclusion of the Infinity Saga also represented the farewell of some heroes. At least for now. Phase 4 also begins a new arc, the Multiverse Saga. In short, the concept of the multiverse assumes the existence of countless alternative MCU realities that we have followed over the years. This premise, for example, made it possible to integrate the different incarnations of Spider-Man in theaters into a single film, as if each version of the hero were a variant of a different universe.
However, it is at this stage that the MCU starts having television series on Disney+. And of course, with the departure of the likes of Iron Man and Captain America, other faces began to arrive. For example, we have the theatrical debut of Shang-Chi, as well as the television series of Moon Knight and She-Hulk. Some of these names seem to indicate a new Avengers lineup.
These are the productions that Phase 4 includes:
Phase 5: More Marvel Multiverse
Similar to Phase 2, this fifth wave of MCU productions is a time of transition. Veterans like Ant-Man and the Wasp share space with newcomers like Ironheart, who debuted in Wakandan foreverand Echo, supporting Archer Falcon. amount AND Loki it must be the main titles that advance with the storyline of the Multiverse, while the rest of the productions must follow more or less isolated from this great storyline. Check out the versions:
It is important to note that several series do not yet have a definite date for the premiere, which is why they are marked with a question mark next to the expected release year. And the Blade movie, previously slated for 2023, is now slated for 2024.
Phase 6: Ending and restarting the MCU?
While Phase 5 is still in its infancy, little is known about Phase 6. So other than release dates for three films, everything else is speculation. What we know so far is that one of the big premieres will be Fantastic Four. In addition to the return to the cinema of the family of heroes, now integrated into the MCU, the Avengers will also return.
Another expected return is that of the X-Men, whose rights are now in the hands of Marvel Studios. anyway out Deadpool 3 there is no confirmed mutant movie yet. As with Phase 3, there will be two Avengers films to wrap up the Multiverse Saga. Whereas at the launch of secret wars the MCU will already have 17 years of history, it’s not unlikely that this universe will undergo some sort of reboot. After all, the existence of different realities and variations of heroes makes room for new beginnings, like an Iron Man/Tony Stark played by a different actor, as the version played by actor Robert Downey Jr. Died in Ultimatum (2019).
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
