The Excitement and Speculation Surrounding Upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe Releases

When discussing upcoming Marvel movies, especially in 2020 and beyond, there is a lot of excitement and speculation. However, it's important to remember that the far-right political commentary doesn't interest me, and I've decided to move on from those discussions. Although I used to be a big Marvel fan, my enthusiasm waned after Disney took over and started pushing towards dystopian narratives.

Currently, Shang Chi and the Ten Rings and The Eternals are the most intriguing films for me. I believe Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is going to be fascinating. It's a clear departure from Marvel's past, which is a positive change. I also share similar sentiments towards Doctor Strange 2: Multiverse of Madness and Marvel's The Eternals. No one truly knows what to expect, which keeps the suspense alive.

The MCU's Current State and Future Direction

The Infinity Gauntlet storyline has concluded, and we are now looking towards a new cycle and tackling some loose ends. Thor: The Dark World marked the first official clue that the Infinity Stones were playing a significant role in the MCU. It was a gradual revelation, but the first installment, Captain America, and hints in Avengers indeed pointed us in that direction. Iron Man and Robert Downey Jr. were the anchors of the MCU during the first three phases, but now it seems like Stephen Strange and Benedict Cumberbatch will take over. His contract requires six films, with only two completed, which makes his appearance in Endgame more of an extended cameo.

There's no indication that Star Lord and Captain Marvel can tie everything together, and simply introducing a new version of "a really powerful space dude" feels too predictable. Instead, the MCU is leaning towards a cosmic villain, with Galactus as the antagonist for the Fantastic Four reboot. This will be more of a villain of the week rather than the big bad. However, the true major antagonist will likely be a dimensional threat that even the Eternals and Celestials cannot oppose. The Elders of the Universe could play a significant role, acting as mysterious 4D chess players, pushing pieces to create something that will only become clear in the next cycle post Phase 6.

The Inevitable Hype: Multiverse of Madness

The first hints of what's really happening will come in Multiverse of Madness. The multiverse is a vast and complex territory within the MCU, and exploring it can open up endless possibilities for storytelling. This film is a crucial stepping stone on the path to a new chapter in the MCU. It promises to introduce elements that will resonate throughout the next phase, providing a foundation for the future.

Final Thoughts

While my initial enthusiasm for the MCU has waned, I still value the imaginative and creative aspects that made it a significant part of my life. Whether it's Shang Chi and the Ten Rings, The Eternals, Doctor Strange 2: Multiverse of Madness, Fantastic Four, or any other upcoming films, the core of what makes the MCU special is the wonder, the madness, and the endless imagination that keeps it exciting.