During its annual Investor Day last Dec. 10, Disney gave fans a much-needed update on its projects in the pipeline. One of the highlights, of course, included Marvel Studios and its president Kevin Feige dropping plenty of exciting news pertaining to the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
In case you missed it, here are the hottest news on the future of the MCU. What project are you most excited for?
Disney + Original Series
“WandaVision”
A second trailer gives us a better look at Wanda Maximoff and Vision’s life together post-“Endgame,” including the mysterious reappearance (?) of the Mind Stone. “WandaVision” officially kicks off Phase Four of the MCU on Jan. 15, 2021.
“Secret Invasion”
Based on the comic book crossover storyline centering on the Skrulls’ invasion of Earth, Samuel Jackson leads the series as Nick Fury and is joined by Ben Mendelsohn as Skrull Talos from Captain Marvel.
“I Am Groot”
Baby Groot will star in this series of shorts that will feature new and unusual characters.
“Ironheart”
Dominique Thorne stars as Riri Williams, the genius inventor of the most advanced suit of armor since “Iron Man.” Williams was first introduced in the Marvel Comics in 2016 as a successor of Tony Stark.
“Ms. Marvel”
Key people behind the show discuss the importance of telling the young heroine’s story in a behind-the-scenes clip featuring newcomer Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan a.k.a. Ms. Marvel. The show premieres late 2021.
“Armor Wars”
What if Stark tech falls into the wrong hands? Don Cheadle returns as James Rhodes a.k.a. War Machine to face Tony Stark’s biggest fear.
“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”
“The legacy of that shield is ...complicated,” said Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson in the first trailer of the series. Navigating a world without Steve Rogers, Sam and Bucky embark on a wild journey around the world and meet new adversaries. “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” starts streaming on March 19, 2021.
“What If...?”
This animated series explores the alternate possibilities in the MCU like Peggy Carter taking the Super Soldier Serum instead of Steve Rogers, or T’Challa becoming Star-Lord instead of Peter Quill.
“She-Hulk”
Tatiana Maslany is confirmed to play Jennifer Walters a.k.a. She-Hulk. Mark Ruffalo and Tim Roth will also be returning as Bruce Banner and the Abomination (from 2008’s “The Incredible Hulk”), respectively.
“Loki”
In an official clip, we see the god of mischief arrested by the Time Variance Authority after disappearing with the Tessaract in “Endgame.” Some of the TVA’s key members are played by Owen Wilson and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Loki drops on Disney+ in May 2021.
“Hawkeye”
Just as set photos surfaced online days prior, Marvel Studios confirms Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop, a young archer who OG Avenger Clint Barton takes under his tutelage. Other cast members include Vera Farmiga, Fra Fee and Alaqua Cox.
“The Guardians of the Galaxy” Holiday Special
Aside from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, James Gunn will also be helming (as director and writer) a holiday special coming in 2022.
Feature Films
“Captain Marvel 2”
Brie Larson is confirmed to return as Carol Danvers in the Captain Marvel sequel directed by Nia DaCosta. This time, she will be joined by Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel and Teyonah Parris’ Monica Rambeau from WandaVision. Release date is Nov. 11, 2022.
“Thor: Love and Thunder”
After much speculation about his role, Christian Bale is finally confirmed to play Gorr the God Butcher, the main antagonist of “Thor 4,” out in theaters May 6, 2022.
“Fantastic Four”
The movie on Marvel’s first family is officially in the works, with Jon Watts, director of MCU’s “Spider-Man” franchise, attached to direct.
“Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”
Peyton Reed is back to helm the third Ant-Man film, with Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeiffer returning. New additions include Kathryn Newton as Cassie Lang (replacing Emma Fuhrmann) and Jonathan Majors as villain Kang the Conqueror.