“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”
Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is all about introducing new characters, and the first major introduction of the post-‘Endgame’ era is none other than Simu Liu as the title character in “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.” In what might be the biggest change of pace for the MCU since “Guardians of the Galaxy” introduced the cosmic side of things, ‘Shang-Chi’ brings things back down to the streets, as Liu is set to play the Master of Kung-fu in a new martial arts action film with a dash of mysticism. Where does the magic come in? Well, ‘Shang-Chi’ is also set to see the return of The Mandarin, a legendary Marvel Comics bad guy that was briefly featured in a completely different way back in “Iron Man 3.” However, instead of Ben Kingsley and Guy Pearce in the role, the MCU is set to unveil who the real Mandarin has been this whole time. Joining Liu in the stacked cast are Awkwafina, Tony Leung, Fala Chen, Meng’er Zhang, Florian Munteanu, Ronny Chieng, and Michelle Yeoh. And making his superhero film debut is director Destin Daniel Cretton, who is probably best known for his features “Short Term 12” and “Just Mercy.”
Release Date: July 9 – CB
“Eternals”
Move over Guardians, there is a whole new cosmic superhero team ready to make their debut in the MCU. And believe it or not, they’ve been on Earth all along. In the upcoming “Eternals,” the Marvel Universe is set to be introduced to an ancient race of warriors that have been hiding in the shadows for thousands of years, just waiting for the time when the world needed them most. And apparently, that time is now. “Eternals” is easily the biggest risk for Marvel Studios in years, as Feige and Co. are putting a lot of faith in indie auteur director Chloe Zhao and a star-studded cast to bring this really unique cast of characters to life. Much like the Guardians of the Galaxy, “Eternals” features a cadre of characters that will make many comic book readers scratch their heads in confusion. But what Feige and his Marvel Studios cohorts have shown is that they’re perfectly capable of turning unlikely heroes into iconic film characters seemingly overnight. Remember the jokes about a film with a talking tree and a grumpy raccoon? Yeah, don’t be surprised if your five-year-old nephew knows the name Ikaris by the end of the year. The ridiculous cast includes Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Brian Tyree Henry, Salma Hayek, Lia McHugh, Don Lee, Kit Harington, Gemma Chan, and Barry Keoghan.
Release Date: November 5 – CB
“Untitled Spider-Man: Far From Home Sequel” (with Sony)
In the wake of “Spider-Man: Far From Home’s” big post-credits reveal to the world, Jon Watts returns to direct this as-yet-untitled third entry which promises to provide just as much mystery as to what we can expect in the time leading up to its December 17 release as its ever-expanding cast list, one that includes the principals from the previous two outings alongside Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange as well as the surprising return of several veterans from the Sony universe, two of which include Alfred Molina back in the saddle as Doctor Octopus as well as Jamie Foxx’s “Amazing Spider-Man” take on Electro. That said, the big rumor of the moment involves our current Spidey, Tom Holland, possibly teaming up with none other than Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, both of whom are said to be returning to their respective portrayals of everyone’s favorite webslinger in what will likely revolve around Strange’s dip into the multiverse and the consequences therein. Obviously, this leaves the door wide open for the addition of even more past Spider-cast members to join the fun, and if that doesn’t involve Maguire’s rent-obsessed landlord, the outcry will be nothing less than tremendous.
Release Date: December 12 – BF
“Hawkeye“
Arguably both the weakest (in terms of power) and most important (in terms of heart) Avenger to grace the big screen, Hawkeye, as played by Jeremy Renner over the past decade, has yet to take center stage in a film or TV series. Well, until now. Thanks to Disney+, Renner is getting his chance to lead the way in a new “Hawkeye” streaming series. But you didn’t think Renner’s Hawkeye would be the only major player in the series right? Not only will Renner share the lead with Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop character, but he’s going to actually have to share the name Hawkeye, as Bishop also carries that mantle in the comics. So, yes, Renner is getting his own series, but he still has to share the spotlight and title with someone else. Poor Hawkeye. “Hawkeye” also stars Vera Farmiga, Fra Fee, Tony Dalton, Zahn McClarnon, Brian d’Arcy James, and Alaqua Cox. The series comes from creator-producer Jonathan Igla and will feature directors such as Rhys Thomas and Bert & Bertie.
Release Date: Filming now, so probably late-2021 – CB
“Ms. Marvel“
It’s not every day that Marvel Comics creates an iconic new character. Peter Parkers and Tony Starks don’t just grow on trees, you know? But over the past decade, Kamala Khan has joined the Marvel Universe and has already made an indelible mark on the comic books. And in late-2021/early-2022, the Muslim teen girl from New Jersey is likely going to be the character everyone talks about in the MCU, when “Ms. Marvel” hits Disney+. Marvel Studios made waves in 2020 when the studio announced that newcomer Iman Vellani landed the coveted role of Kamala Khan, an already-guaranteed fixture in the MCU moving into the future. As mentioned, Khan is a Muslim teen that through a random accident develops the powers to stretch and contort her body in weird ways. As she likes to say, she can “embiggen” herself and parts of her body (like her fists) to help beat up bad guys. Saagar Shaikh, Aramis Knight, and Matt Lintz also star in the series. Bisha K. Ali is the creator of the show, with Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, and Meera Menon on board to help direct.
Release Date: Filming now, so either late-2021 or early-2022 – CB