What Marvel movies are upcoming in 2022?
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has plenty of content in store for fans in 2022! Marvel Studios’s partnership with Disney guarantees them a platform for upcoming movies & series projects alike. However, like Thanos gathering the Infinity Stones, this has all been in the works for a very long time.
Audiences had no idea what to expect when Marvel released the first Iron Man movie in 2008. They quickly fell in love with Robert Downey Jr. and his portrayal of the genius, billionaire, playboy philanthropist known as Tony Stark.
But, little did they know, this was only the first installation in what would become known as the MCU. This ever-expanding universe of comic adaptations of Marvel content has culminated into the release schedules fans can look forward to in the next year.
Phases 1-3
Phase 1 was all about building up to the MCU version of The Avengers. This phase introduced Steve Rogers as Captain America, Natasha Romanoff as Black Widow, Tony Stark as Iron Man, Clint Barton as Hawkeye, and Thor as . . . well, Thor. Longtime Marvel comic fans and never-read-a-comic-in-their-life fans alike finally had the chance to get to know the MCU world.
It also introduced the concept of mid-credit and after-credit scenes. Little crumbs of worldbuilding, connecting the movies and also paving the way for future phases. For example, S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury was infamous for appearing in end-credit scenes while recruiting for the ragtag group of superheroes.
Phase 2 was all about expanding on those characters & storylines. In movies like Captain America: The Winter Soldier, we saw The Avengers facing higher stakes with more complex consequences. We were also introduced to new faces in The Guardians of the Galaxy and Ant-Man.
Phase 3 presented literal world-ending stakes as characters were phased out, introduced, and their worlds expanded. Fans cried in sadness and victory as The Avengers fought their final battles against the Mad Titan. But the introduction of new characters in movies like Black Panther and Thor: Ragnarok promised new possibilities.
Thus, Phase 4!
Phase 4 kicked off in 2021 with the Disney+ releases of WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Loki. Three different series set the tone of mysticism mixed with real-world complications such as grief, racism, and the difficulty of letting go.
Like previous phases, upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects will use these stories as foundations that impact future projects. Is Scarlet Witch’s official MCU origin story connected to Dr. Strange? How will the finale of Loki impact future projects? Is Sharon Carter actually Mystique?
Okay, that last one is pure speculation. But speculating on possible story directions is a big part of being in the MCU fandom! So far, 2022 is giving fans a lot to talk about by continuing the established tradition of sequels and character introductions.
Phase 4: Movies
Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness is set for release on March 25th. Thor: Love & Thunder is set for release on May 6th. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is set for release on July 8th. The Marvels is set for release on November 11th. Phase Four will also see the 2022 introduction of Morbius in a self-titled movie set for release on January 28th.
Phase 4: Disney+
The upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies mostly include sequels to projects introduced in Phase Three. But the upcoming series on Disney+ mostly introduces comic-established characters to the MCU for the first time.
Characters like She-Hulk (She-Hulk) and Riri Williams (Ironheart) will finally have their moment in the spotlight. Meanwhile, Secret Invasion and Armor Wars will bring back familiar faces like Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes and the Skrulls.
MCU projects are growing increasingly dark and complex. That works for some fans, but others may want something more lighthearted. I am Groot is an animated web short series following baby Groot on cute little adventures. The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special web special inspired by Star Wars Holiday Special.
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Are you excited to see the multiverse finally introduced to the MCU? Which character are you most looking forward to seeing on your screen? Let us know in the comments below!
