The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has become a cultural phenomenon, with fans eagerly anticipating the next installment in the franchise. After the long wait due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marvel Studios is finally releasing its next film, Black Widow, on July 9, 2021. But what comes next in the MCU? In this article, we’ll take a look at the upcoming Marvel movies and what we can expect from them.
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Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
The next Marvel movie after Black Widow is Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which is scheduled to be released on September 3, 2021. The film follows the story of Shang-Chi, a skilled martial artist who is drawn into the world of the Ten Rings organization, which has ties to Iron Man’s arch-nemesis, The Mandarin.
The movie stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, Awkwafina as his friend Katy, and Tony Leung as the real Mandarin. The film is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and written by Cretton, Dave Callaham, and Andrew Lanham.
Shang-Chi is an important addition to the MCU because it introduces the first Asian superhero in the franchise. It also brings in new characters and themes, such as martial arts and Chinese mythology. The movie promises to be an action-packed adventure, with stunning fight choreography and a fresh perspective on the superhero genre.
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The Eternals
The Eternals is another highly anticipated Marvel movie, set to be released on November 5, 2021. The film follows a group of ancient beings known as the Eternals, who have been living on Earth for thousands of years and possess incredible powers. They are forced to reunite to protect humanity from their evil counterparts, the Deviants.
The movie boasts an all-star cast, including Angelina Jolie as Thena, Salma Hayek as Ajak, Richard Madden as Ikaris, and Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo. The film is directed by Chloé Zhao, who recently won an Academy Award for Best Director for her film Nomadland.
The Eternals is a departure from the typical MCU formula, as it introduces a new group of superheroes with a complex backstory. The movie promises to explore themes such as immortality, love, and sacrifice, and it will likely have a more serious tone than other MCU films.
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Spider-Man: No Way Home
Spider-Man: No Way Home is the third film in the Spider-Man franchise within the MCU. The movie is scheduled to be released on December 17, 2021, and it will continue the story of Peter Parker, played by Tom Holland, after the events of Spider-Man: Far From Home.
The plot of the movie is still under wraps, but there are rumors that it will involve a multiverse storyline, with appearances from characters from previous Spider-Man movies, such as Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. The film also features returning cast members, such as Zendaya as MJ and Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds.
Spider-Man: No Way Home is highly anticipated because of the multiverse rumors and the potential for crossover with other Marvel properties. It also marks the return of fan-favorite characters from previous Spider-Man movies, which will likely please longtime fans of the franchise.
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Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the sequel to the 2016 film Doctor Strange and is set to be released on March 25, 2022. The movie follows the continued adventures of Dr. Stephen Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, as he navigates the multiverse and faces new threats.
The film also features Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch, who is rumored to play a significant role in the movie. The plot of the film is still unknown, but it has been described as a horror movie, which is a departure from the typical MCU formula.
The movie is directed by Sam Raimi, who is known for his work on the Spider-Man trilogy, and it promises to be a thrilling ride through the multiverse. The film is expected to introduce new characters and expand the scope of the MCU even further.
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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 film Black Panther. The movie is set to be released on July 8, 2022, and it will continue the story of T’Challa, played by the late Chadwick Boseman, who passed away in 2020.
The plot of the film is still unknown, but it has been confirmed that the movie will not recast T’Challa, out of respect for Boseman’s legacy. The film will likely explore the world of Wakanda further and introduce new characters to the MCU.
The movie is directed by Ryan Coogler, who also directed the first Black Panther movie, and it promises to be a fitting tribute to Boseman and his groundbreaking portrayal of T’Challa.
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The Marvels
The Marvels is the sequel to the 2019 film Captain Marvel and is set to be released on November 11, 2022. The movie follows the continued adventures of Carol Danvers, played by Brie Larson, as she teams up with Kamala Khan, played by Iman Vellani, and Monica Rambeau, played by Teyonah Parris.
The film is directed by Nia DaCosta and promises to be an exciting team-up movie featuring some of the most powerful superheroes in the MCU. The movie is expected to explore the themes of identity and family, and it will likely have a strong focus on female empowerment.
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Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is the third film in the Ant-Man franchise and is set to be released on February 17, 2023. The movie follows the continued adventures of Scott Lang, played by Paul Rudd, and Hope van Dyne, played by Evangeline Lilly, as they face new challenges in the quantum realm.
The film also features the return of Michael Douglas as Hank Pym and Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet van Dyne, as well as the introduction of new characters, such as Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors.
The movie is directed by Peyton Reed and promises to be a fun and action-packed adventure through the quantum realm. The film is expected to explore the theme of time travel and its consequences, and it will likely have a strong connection to the events of Avengers: Endgame.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the next Marvel movie after Black Widow is Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, followed by The Eternals, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Marvels, and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. These movies promise to expand the scope of the MCU even further and introduce new characters, themes, and storylines. Fans can look forward to an exciting lineup of movies that will keep them entertained for years to come.