The Marvel Cinematic Universe follows a simple structure that Marvel studios aims to continue into the future. That means making smaller movies that ultimately lead to a huge event. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
With Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers 4 set to culminate Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the fate of Phase 4 is in flux. We don’t know what new characters will be introduced and we don’t know if other characters will be completely phased out. One thing’s for sure, though: Expect Marvel Studios to follow the same formula.
As for what direction Phase 4 will take the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the studio is still trying to figure that out.
“We do know what’s coming,” said Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. “But that structure that you laid out was from the comics, right? Everyone had their individual stories. They meet up for a mega event and they go back to their individual stories changed from that event. I think that’s a wonderful structure that’s worked for decades in the comics, has worked for us now for a decade, so I think it’s a good model.”
That being said, Feige cautioned that doesn’t mean the formula isn’t safe from being tweaked.
The backbone of Phase 4 will include characters like Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Marvel is also set to introduce Captain Marvel, and there are reports we could see The Eternals. With the contracts of Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., and Chris Hemsworth all expiring, expect a new wave of stalwarts to be introduced.
But even with all the changes to personnel, Marvel’s tried and true formula is here to stay.
