Phase Five
This week’s approach is going to be slightly different, as these films have yet to be released.
Instead of going over the plot and discussing what the overall impact of every film, I’ll be making speculative guesses based on information released about the films.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Dir. Petyon Reed Release Date: February 17, 2023
Thirty-first film.
Follows the story of Scott Lang, Hank Pym, Hope van Dyne, as her mother Janet has returned from the Quantum Realm.
This film will also introduce Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror, who’s likely going to be propped up as a multi-film adversary, as he’s able to use the Quantum Realm to travel through time and space.
It’s also speculated that one of Marvel’s more interesting villains M.O.D.O.K. will be introduced, portrayed by William Jackson Harper.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Dir. James Gunn Release Date: May 5, 2023
Back in 2018 there was concern over this film in July of that year, as James Gunn had been taken off the project due to controversial Twitter posts.
This concern was short lived, as he was reinstated by the end of October.
The through lines of the film are likely going to be follow ups to previously established stories.
The A plot will follow the Guardians as they deal with the fallout from the Sovereign, as Rocket had stolen their batteries in GotG2.
At the end of that film, we also saw them give rise to Adam Warlock.
I’m wagering that Warlock will quickly realize he’s stronger than the Sovereign and break free of his chains to wreak havoc on the universe.
And that’s where the Guardians will come back in, as their debts will be paid if they’re able to stop Warlock. B plot will follow the story of Quill and Gamora.
While it’s not the same Gamora he fell in love with, he’s likely going to try to get romantic with her.
I expect her to be resistant until she sees how great a hero Quill can be, then start warming up to the idea of being with him.
What I hope happens is she wants absolutely nothing to deal with him, and his continued persistence puts a permanent wedge between the two characters.
It would be interesting to dive into the idea that Gamora only liked Quill the first time around due to timing and circumstance.
Same person with a different mentality, the differences should be explored rather than trying to assimilate back to what’s already known.
The Marvels
Dir. Nia DaCosta Release Date: July 28, 2023
Thirty-second entry follows up with Carol Danvers, Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), and the freshly introduced Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani).
Explained in a mini-series we’ve yet to cover, Khan is a lifelong fan of Captain Marvel, and one day gains powers from Danvers.
The tagline of this film is that the three must work together as something causes them to swap places every time they use their powers.
Captain America: New World Order
Dir. Julius Onah Release Date: May 3, 2024
Thirty-third film, which is supposed to follow up on events from The Incredible Hulk, the first three Captain America’s, and the Falcon and Winter Soldier show.
Features Sam Wilson’s first film since becoming the new Captain America, and will be featured alongside the new Falcon, Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez).
Based on the name of the film there will be large, world impacting implications shown throughout this film.
Notably, Harrison Ford will be taking the role of Thaddeus Ross after the passing of William Hurt.
Thunderbolts
Dir. Jake Schreier Release Date: July 26, 2024
Thirty-fourth film, has an ensemble roster consisting of Bucky Barnes, Ava Starr (Hannah John-Kamen), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour), and Antonia Dreykov (Olga Kurylenko).
While all these characters have been introduced to the MCU by this point, if you haven’t been watching the TV shows you likely won’t know who everyone is.
While there isn’t much info out yet, and filming won’t start for another six months, we do know Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross sets up a team named after his nickname.
The idea is supposed to mimic DC’s Suicide Squad, where a team of morally questionable individuals are tasked with coming together for the greater good.
Blade
Dir. Unlisted Release Date: September 6, 2024
Thirty-fifth film, and the final film of Phase Five.
The script has been in production since 2013, shortly after Marvel reobtained the rights from New Line Cinema.
Mahershala Ali was revealed to be the uncredited voice at the end of Eternals, and is taking the mantle of Eric Brooks, a man cursed with vampiric powers and a vow to exterminate all vampires.
Bassam Tariq was lined up to be director until this past September, and Elegance Bratton is speculated to take his place.
