Marvel Studios has been on a roll ever since they launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with Iron Man back in 2008. With each phase, the MCU has expanded its roster of heroes, villains, and cosmic threats. After the massive success of Avengers: Endgame, fans eagerly awaited what Marvel’s Phase 5 would bring. It’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting phases yet, with new characters, returning favorites, and a deeper dive into the multiverse. Let’s take a closer look at every upcoming movie and show in Phase 5 that you simply can’t miss.
1. Upcoming Movies in Marvel’s Phase 5
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
This film kicks off Marvel’s Phase 5 and marks the return of Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, along with Evangeline Lilly as the Wasp. However, the biggest buzz around Quantumania is the appearance of Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors. Kang is set to be the next major villain in the MCU, and this movie will dive into his connection with the multiverse. Expect mind-bending visuals, time-travel chaos, and a lot of humor as Scott Lang and his team explore the Quantum Realm.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is an emotional chapter for fans, as it marks the end of the line for this beloved group of misfit heroes. Director James Gunn promises that this film will focus on Rocket’s backstory, and it’s expected to tie up loose ends from the previous movies. With the Guardians’ cosmic adventures coming to a close, fans are both excited and anxious to see how it all plays out.
The Marvels
Captain Marvel is back, but this time she’s not alone. The Marvels brings together Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), and Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani). This movie is set to explore their intertwined powers and relationships while expanding the cosmic side of the MCU. With three strong, powerful women at the forefront, this movie is set to bring high-stakes action and lots of space adventure.
Blade
Mahershala Ali steps into the role of Blade, the vampire hunter, in one of the most anticipated MCU films. This movie reintroduces vampires into the Marvel universe and will likely have a darker, edgier tone compared to other MCU entries. With the growing presence of mystical and supernatural elements in the MCU, Blade’s introduction could open up new avenues of storytelling for future projects.
Captain America: Brave New World
With Steve Rogers retired, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) has officially taken up the mantle of Captain America. Captain America: Brave New World will see Sam trying to live up to the symbol while facing new villains and global threats. The movie will explore themes of legacy, responsibility, and what it means to be Captain America in a world that’s constantly changing.
Thunderbolts
Marvel’s Thunderbolts brings together a group of anti-heroes and villains, creating a darker, more morally ambiguous team in the MCU. While the roster hasn’t been fully confirmed, we expect to see familiar faces like Yelena Belova, US Agent, and Taskmaster. Thunderbolts will explore the blurred lines between good and evil and could set the stage for more complex storytelling in the MCU.
2. Upcoming Disney+ Shows in Marvel’s Phase 5
Secret Invasion
Secret Invasion is one of the most anticipated Disney+ shows in Phase 5. It follows Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Talos (Ben Mendelsohn) as they uncover a secret Skrull invasion on Earth. The series will be filled with suspense, mystery, and the paranoia of not knowing who to trust, as the Skrulls have the ability to shape-shift into anyone. This storyline could have massive ramifications for the MCU’s future.
Loki Season 2
After the mind-blowing events of Loki Season 1, which introduced the concept of the multiverse and the threat of Kang, fans are eagerly awaiting the second season. Loki Season 2 will likely dive deeper into the chaos of the multiverse and the consequences of breaking the sacred timeline. Expect more time-travel shenanigans, mind-bending visuals, and Tom Hiddleston’s mischievous charm.
Ironheart
Following her introduction in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) will take center stage in her own Disney+ series, Ironheart. Riri is a brilliant young inventor who creates a suit of armor that rivals Iron Man’s. This series will explore her journey as a young hero and could feature connections to Tony Stark’s legacy.
Agatha: Darkhold Diaries
Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) quickly became a fan favorite after her appearance in WandaVision, and now she’s getting her own spin-off. Agatha: Darkhold Diaries will explore more of the magical side of the MCU, and we might see how the Darkhold (a book of dark magic) plays a role in the larger MCU. With Kathryn Hahn’s wicked sense of humor, this series is expected to bring both laughs and intrigue.
Daredevil: Born Again
After his cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home, fans were thrilled to hear that Charlie Cox would be returning as Daredevil in Daredevil: Born Again. The series will reportedly be 18 episodes long, making it one of the most ambitious Disney+ shows. It will follow Matt Murdock as he continues to fight crime in Hell’s Kitchen, and we might even see the return of other beloved characters like Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio).
Echo
Echo spins out of the events of Hawkeye and focuses on Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox), a deaf superhero with the ability to perfectly mimic anyone’s movements. This series will explore her journey of self-discovery and redemption, and we can expect appearances from Daredevil and Kingpin, making it a crucial piece of Phase 5.
3. Major Themes of Phase 5
Marvel’s Phase 5 introduces several major themes that will shape the future of the MCU:
- Multiverse Expansion: The multiverse has already been teased, and Phase 5 will explore its complexities even further. Characters like Kang the Conqueror and the events of Loki will continue to unravel the mysteries of alternate realities.
- New Heroes Rising: With many of the original Avengers out of the picture, Phase 5 will see new heroes stepping up to take their place, including Sam Wilson as Captain America, Riri Williams as Ironheart, and Kamala Khan as Ms. Marvel.
- Cosmic and Mystical Elements: With movies like The Marvels and Blade, the MCU is diving deeper into cosmic and mystical realms, expanding the universe beyond Earth-based stories.
- Darker, More Complex Characters: Phase 5 introduces morally ambiguous characters and anti-heroes, such as the Thunderbolts, who operate in a gray area of the MCU, bringing a darker, more mature tone to the storytelling.
4. How Phase 5 Connects to the Future of the MCU
Phase 5 will play a crucial role in setting up the future of the MCU, particularly the Avengers: Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars movies in Phase 6. The multiverse is the central theme moving forward, and many of the movies and shows in Phase 5 will tie directly into the upcoming major events. From cosmic battles to time-bending threats, Phase 5 is just the beginning of the MCU’s next epic saga.
Conclusion
Marvel’s Phase 5 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting phases yet, with a mix of blockbuster movies and Disney+ shows that will expand the MCU in new and thrilling directions. Whether it’s the return of fan-favorite characters or the introduction of new heroes, Phase 5 is packed with must-watch content. As Marvel continues to explore the multiverse, the cosmic realms, and darker themes, fans are in for a wild ride that will shape the MCU for years to come.
Aarti is a seasoned writer at animeversity.com, where she crafts comprehensive guides on digital activation and technology. With a background in movies, anime reviewing, and gaming, and over 6 years of writing experience, Aarti excels at breaking down complex tech concepts into clear, accessible content, while her expertise in anime and movie reviews provides readers with in-depth, engaging insights. She ensures that her audience gains practical, reliable information to enrich their digital and entertainment experiences.
