The MCU returns to the silver screen and we look at what 2021 and 2022 brings
It’s been a long time between drinks for the Marvel Cinematic Universe on the big screen. After an absolute all-timer and emotionally devastating “season finale” in Avengers: Endgame and a fun epilogue in Spider-Man Far From Home it’s been two whole years since we’ve sat, face full of popcorn, as the Marvel fanfare sounds. Yet another way COVID-19 has extracted a heavy toll.
Sure, we’ve had some great shows on Disney+, but, it’s just not quite the same. Fear not, Marvel is back to dominate our cinemas with a whopping eight films in the next 18 months.
Let’s look at what is ahead!
Shang Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings (September 2, 2021)
September brings us something new as we delve into the martial arts side of the MCU (we don’t talk about Iron Fist…) and our first with an Asian lead. Simu Liu makes the leap from Kim’s Convenience to leading man as the titular character and is joined by a stellar cast including Tony Leung, Awkwafina and Michelle Yeoh.
Look for kung fu, magic and dragons as we finally meet the real Mandarin and delve into the Ten Rings organisation (first seen way back in Iron Man 1). The trailer also showed glimpses of Abomination from the Incredible Hulk and Doctor Strange’s Wong. Marvel digging deep on this one!
The Eternals (November 4, 2021)
We’re going high concept with ancient space gods living secretly on Earth emerging after thousands of years to defend the universe. Look, I know most of you have never heard of this one but let’s remember how unknown the Guardians of the Galaxy were a few years ago.
Fresh from her Oscar, Chloe Zhao (Nomadland) takes the helm of a ridiculous cast with Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Kit Harrington, Salma Hayek and Angelina Jolie. The buzz around this one is huge with claims it may be the best pure film Marvel has ever made. Keen is an understatement.
See Also: First Look At Angelina Jolie In Marvel’s Eternals Trailer
Spider-Man: No Way Home (December 17, 2021)
Hooboy! We get back in more familiar territory with the third instalment of the modern Spider-Man trilogy, and the rumours of this one have been wild.
Nothing confirmed but there’s huge talk we’re looking at a live-action Spider-Verse with Tobey McGuire and Andrew Garfield suiting up again and joined by an all-star team of their original villains plus appearances by Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). Looks to be a total game-changer and will surely make a bajillion dollars. Can’t wait.
Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness (March 24, 2022)
Between Wandavision, Loki, What If…? and No Way home the Marvel multiverse has been ripped wide open and it’s up to Doctor Strange to make things right. Cumberbatch is back and joined by Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff as we get a little horror and a little wacky. Who better to direct than Spider-Man and Evil Dead director Sam Raimi?
This may just be Avengers next big level as it wraps a lot of this phase’s storylines.
Thor: Love And Thunder (April 28, 2022)
Look, the Thor solo films were mid-tier at best. We can admit this. Thankfully the utter ray of hilarious sunshine that is Taika Waititi came along and changed the game with Thor: Ragnarok.
Turns out taking space Vikings and making them a little weird and a lot more funny works a treat. The team is back and rejoined by Natalie Portman as Thor’s ex, Jane, who becomes worthy enough to wield the hammer and become Lady Thor. I’m sure this won’t cause any existential crisis to Hemsworth’s Thor at all. Look for the Guardians of the Galaxy and a slew of cameos in this one too.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (July 7, 2022)
I don’t know about you but I’m still utterly heartbroken at the loss of Chadwick Boseman. He was an utterly iconic T’Challa and by all accounts an even better man.
Not much is known yet about this sequel but Ryan Coogler is back to direct and the rest of the remaining cast are returning in the long shadow of the fallen king. Word is T’Challa isn’t being recast so it will be very interesting to see how this one will play out. Bring the tissues.
The Marvels (November 10, 2022)
The sequel to Brie Larsen’s Captain Marvel makes it a family affair as she’s joined by Wandavision’s Monica Rambeau and Ms Marvel from the upcoming Disney + series. We don’t know a darn thing about this one yet as production isn’t very far along but look for it to round out 2022 and tie in with the upcoming Secret Invasion Disney+ series.
Disney+
While nothing has been formally announced, look for a slew of new Marvel shows every Wednesday through to the end of 2022.
- Ms Marvel: Muslim teenage hero inspired by Captain Marvel
- Hawkeye: OG Avenger Jeremy Renner training his new protege Hailee Steinfeld
- Moon Knight: Mix a little Batman with multiple personality disorder and starring Oscar Isaac
- She Hulk: Superhero law dramedy with Tatiana Maslany and Mark Ruffalo
- Secret Invasion: Sam Jackson and Ben Mendelsohn defend earth from a Skrull Invasion
Stream now on Disney+
When it rains it pours, eh?
Stay up to date with all things Marvel via marvel.com/insider.
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