Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe were left in total shock in the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame (2019). “Endgame left me speechless. I saw it in theaters, and everyone was screaming and laughing with every moment; a really cool experience to be a part of,” said Junior Sean Mulvaney, who saw the movie in its opening week. The movie concluded the story line that has been running across more than 20 Marvel Cinematic Universe films over the last 10 years. Fans now are speculating as to what the new story will be and where it will take the heroes in the MCU next. In July 2019, Marvel Studios held a panel at San Diego Comic-Con where Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige announced the full Phase Four slate. This included seven films to be released through 2020 and 2021 and 8 television series to be released between late 2020 and times to be determined.

The slate of movies to be released includes a Black Widow solo movie, new installments to the Guardians of the Galaxy, Spider Man, Doctor Strange, and Thor franchises and 2 movies which introduce new heroes into the MCU; a group called The Eternals, an immortal alien race created by the Celestials, who are sent to Earth to protect humanity from their evil counterparts, the Deviants, and Shang Chi: master of Kung Fu, which will be Marvel’s first Asian-led film.

Timeline of the major headliners of Phase 4 of the MCU

While Marvel tends to be secretive with the plots of their upcoming movies, they tell more of their upcoming TV shows. The 8 new television series include The Falcon and the Winter Soldier following Anthony Mackie's The Falcon and Sebastian Stan's Winter Soldier, WandaVision following Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch and Paul Bettany's Vision which would focus on their relationship. “I am most excited for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier because of how risky it is,” said Mr. Robert Whitaker. He has been interested in the MCU since the series of movies first started rolling out with Iron Man in 2008. “I think if Marvel wants the tv series’ to be taken seriously, they have to make them follow with the plot of the movies.” A series following Thor’s adopted brother, Loki, during a time in the MCU when he stole the Space Stone for Thanos, and a series titled What If…? which explores how the MCU would be altered if certain events had occurred differently, Hawkeye, Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight, and She-Hulk are other series currently in the works at Marvel Studios.

Fans are very excited to see how Marvel moves forward after the passing of Tony Stark’s Iron Man and with the reversal of Thanos’ plan to wipe out half of living things in the world. Moeller English teacher Mr. Justin Claypool wants to see Marvel move more towards a deeper, more serious mood to the movies. “If you watch any Marvel movie, you’ll notice an overused shtick. At any moment of actual emotion, they often undercut it with a joke. I guess they don’t think the audience can handle it. I’d like to see them move away from that gimmick,” said Claypool. “However, Guardians of the Galaxy remains as the mold breaker of superhero movies. They proved stories about guys and gals not taking themselves too seriously can still be awesome and make money. I’d like to see more movies like this.”

Whatever the new route taken by the MCU, superhero fans are anxious to see the classic, incredible entertainment that come out of Marvel Studios and graze the big and small screen.

What’s Next for the MCU?