Every time I’ve felt that Marvel was on the verge of slowing down, they’ve made something of a surprise comeback. While we’re far away from the ‘Golden Age’ of the Avengers at this point, 2021 shaped up to be a phenomenal year for fans of the superhero stable – with Spider-Man: No Way Home grossing a staggering $1.3 billion worldwide.
Marvel has swung something of a homerun on small screens too. After ushering in Phase 4 with WandaVision, the studio also expanded the universe’s scale with Loki and Hawkeye.
With a pretty huge year full of multiversal delights, animated shorts, and even an interstellar holiday special, Disney isn’t pulling any punches this year. Let’s see what fans have in store:
Morbius – January 28, 2022
Featuring Jared Leto as the titular character, Morbius follows the tale of a genius biochemist plagued with a rare blood disease that essentially turns him into a full-blown vampire.
Introduced as a Spider-Man villain back in 1971, Morbius walks the tightrope as a classic Marvel antihero – fighting between his vampiric tendencies and his good human nature.
Aside from Michael Keaton, who is reprising his Vulture role, Morbius will feature Matt Smith, Adria Arjona, Tyrese Gibson, Jared Harris, and Al Madrigal – all working within Sony’s Spider-Man Universe.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – May 6, 2022
The first MCU film to release next year, this one is a real mindbender. Celebrated horror director Sam Raimi pulls the strings on a dark, twisted tale – tying together the events of No Way Home, Avengers: Endgame, WandaVision, and Loki.
With several fascinating plot points hanging in the air, this is one of the MCU’s most-anticipated releases, and we simply can’t wait until May.
Thor: Love and Thunder – July 8, 2022
Another director we’re stoked to see is Taika Waititi – after breaking new ground with Thor: Ragnarok, he’s returned to push Thor: Love and Thunder for 2022. After a bunch of delays, the next God of Thunder flick is set to bring together Asgard and the Guardians – two of the MCU’s most-loved properties.
Also, Christian Bale plays the main villain ‘Gorr the God Butcher’. Nice.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One) – October 7, 2022
Back in 2018, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse brought about a huge revolution in the way we animate and watch superhero films – pushing the boundaries of the medium and giving us a beautiful spectacle of all things Spider-Man.
It’s high time for a sequel – set for a late ‘22 release, Part One brings back some old Spidey favorites – paired with even more exciting versions of everyone’s favorite web-slinging hero.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – November 11, 2022
In the wake of Chadwick Boseman’s death, it seemed as if the Black Panther franchise was doomed just one feature film in.
Thankfully, Marvel’s legendary writing team seems to have successfully roped in Shuri (Letitia Wright), Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), and Okoye (Danai Gurira) to fill the gap – giving us exciting new potential for the character’s future legacy.
Moon Knight – TBA
With the Marvel vs. DC debate being decidedly lopsided, you have to wonder – how would Marvel handle a Batman story?
Fortunately, we don’t need to ponder this question much longer. Oscar Issac plays Marc Spector – an ex-Marine with an identity disorder and a mysterious connection to Moon Deity Khonshu. Moon Knight will consist of a six-episode series – promising a dark tale of vengeance directed by Jeremy Slater.
She-Hulk – TBA
Fans of Orphan Black’s Tatiana Maslany rejoice. The skilled actor returns to play Jessica Walters, cousin of Bruce Banner and lawyer. Similar in some ways to Daredevil, She-Hulk will play out as part-legal drama, part-superhero series – also involving Tim Roth’s Abomination and Jameela Jamil’s Titania – a classic She-Hulk rival.
Ms. Marvel – TBA
This year also marks the inclusion of the MCU’s first Muslim superhero, through Kamala Khan’s Ms. Marvel. Helmed by Loki writer Bisha K. Ali, it follows the story of a young Avengers fan who idolizes Captain Marvel – right before gaining her own shape-shifting superpowers.
Secret Invasion – TBA
Just like every other teaser appearance he’s been in, Nick Fury’s motives remain shadowy and secretive. Secret Invasion is no exception to the rule – all we know about the project is that a gruff ex-SHIELD director will be in it, paired with operative Maria Hill against a Skrull alien threat. For those of you who couldn’t get enough of Agents of SHIELD, this one’s bound to be a treat.
I Am Groot – TBA
Not every MCU release has to be a TV or film release. I Am Groot follows the MCU’s favorite talking tree as he makes his way through the galaxy. Pixar-esque shorts about the world of Marvel? Count me in.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special – December 2022
Not enough Guardians for you? While GOTG:3 is due way later in 2023, Disney+ is gifting fans a holiday special – think a short, fun teaser that rings in a (now distant) 2022 holiday season. Sources also say that Marvel will be using the special to introduce a new character to the MCU.
(Image Sources: Marvel Entertainment, Sony Pictures)
