Marvel Studios Reveals The Next Phase of Superheroes at San Diego Comic Con

Exciting new plans for the Marvel Cinematic Universe were announced in Hall H at San Diego Comic Con on Saturday, July 20th, and it reveals the next two phases of movies/TV shows.

With Avengers: Endgame crossing $2.8 billion in the box office to become the highest-grossing film of all time, and Spider-man: Far From Home currently in theaters wrapping up the storyline for the “Infinity Saga” (phases 1-3 of the MCU), there’s a question on every Marvel fan’s mind: What’s Next? Marvel Studios and Disney have released the lineup for Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the lineup of movies & TV shows can assure even the most skeptical fan that superhero movies aren’t going anywhere.

In Hall H at Comic-Con International in San Diego, Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige officially announced the lineup of feature films for the next two years and shared exciting new information on the brand-new Marvel Studios’ series created exclusively for Disney+, Disney’s upcoming streaming service launching in the United States on November 12, 2019. The following is a recap of Kevin Feige’s presentation, which was moderated by Jessica Chobot, the host of Nerdist News. Here’s the latest on Disney movie news from the TLEV perspective.

Marvel Studios’ ‘Eternals’ follows a group of immortals as they learn what it means to be human. Source: Disney / Marvel Studios

The Eternals

First and foremost, Hall H was greeted by Marvel Studios Producer Kevin Feige, who came on stage with some exciting news for next group of heroes to make their debut in the MCU.

Feige introduced the director, Chloé Zhao, followed by stars from the film, including, Richard Madden as Ikaris, Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo,  Lauren Ridloff as Makkari, Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos, Salma Hayek as Ajak, Lia McHugh as Sprite, Don Lee as Gilgamesh and Angelina Jolie as Thena.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: (L-R) President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige, director Chloe Zhao, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Brian Tyree Henry, Salma Hayek, Lia McHugh, Don Lee and Angelina Jolie of Marvel Studios’ ‘The Eternals’ at the San Diego Comic-Con International 2019 Marvel Studios Panel in Hall H on July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

The Eternals are a group of immortal beings who age at a much slower rate than humans do. In many of the comics, it is nearly impossible to kill an Eternal. You thought Deadpool had it easy? One of the ways to permanently kill an Eternal is to completely atomize them. Looks like we’ll be seeing these supers for quite some time.

“The Eternals” will make their Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in theaters on November 6, 2020.

Following the retirement of Steve Rogers as Captain America, Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes struggle to keep up Cap’s morale as they take on the mantle. Witness the buddy-cop style TV show ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. Source: Disney / Marvel Studios

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe sees the continuation of stories created on the big screen transported to the small screen.

Feige brought news on the Disney+ original series “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” which pairs up two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most popular heroes—Sam Wilson aka The Falcon and Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier—in a series of action-filled adventures as they fight together against evil after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” Disney+ is available in the United States in November 2019.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie of Marvel Studios’ ‘The Falcon and The Winter Soldier’ at the San Diego Comic-Con International 2019 Marvel Studios Panel in Hall H on July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

Anthony Mackie (The Falcon) and Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier) came on stage to greet the fans, and it was revealed that Daniel Brühl will return as the villain, Baron Zemo. Brühl made his debut as the villain in Captain America: Civil War, where Zemo successfully divided the Avengers forever.

“The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” is set to debut on Disney+ in the fall of 2020.

‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ follows the titular hero and his discovery of the Mandarin. Source: Disney / Marvel Studios

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Marvel Studios has been at the forefront of representation for some of the most obscure superheroes. Movies like Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Strange, and Iron Man have breathed new life into these characters and have made them more popular than ever before. Marvel Studios’ newest superhero origin film is no different.

Feige spoke about the feature film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and detailed how the legend has been hinted at in the MCU films since the first “Iron Man.”

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: Simu Liu of Marvel Studios’ ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ at the San Diego Comic-Con International 2019 Marvel Studios Panel in Hall H on July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

In an unanticipated surprise for all Hall H guests, Kevin Feige then announced the confirmed casting of Simu Liu in the title role of Shang-Chi and both the actor and the director, Destin Daniel Cretton, came on stage to greet the audience. Kevin also shared with the audience the casting of Awkwafina in a yet-to-be-disclosed role. Then, Kevin revealed to the Hall H audience that the real Mandarin will be played by celebrated Chinese actor Tony Leung.

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” will be in theaters on February 12, 2021.

Scarlet Witch and Vision transition to the small screen in the Disney+ series, ‘WandaVision’. The series will tie into the movie events of Phase 4. Source: Disney / Marvel Studios

WandaVision

Next, Feige offered the latest on “WandaVision,” a Disney+ original series where Paul Bettany reprises the role of Vision and Elizabeth Olsen returns to her role of Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch. This series will follow the events of Avengers: Endgame, and that’s about it that we know for the story of these star-crossed lovers.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: Paul Bettany and Teyonah Parris of Marvel Studios’ ‘WandaVision’ at the San Diego Comic-Con International 2019 Marvel Studios Panel in Hall H on July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

Bettany and Olsen were joined on stage by MCU newcomer Teyonah Parris, and Feige announced that Parris will be playing the grown-up version of Monica Rambeau, who was introduced to audiences in “Captain Marvel.”

“WandaVision” premieres on Disney+ in the spring of 2021.

Tom Hiddleston reprises his role as Loki in the Disney+ original series following the events of ‘Avengers: Endgame’. Source: Disney / Marvel Studios

Loki

Marvel fans won’t be leaving their couches in Spring 2021! Feige offered news on “Loki,” a Marvel Studios original series streaming on Disney+ in the spring of 2021. Tom Hiddleston—back in his role of the mercurial Loki, the god of mischief and everyone’s favorite villain—received a huge welcome from fans when Feige brought him out on stage.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: Tom Hiddleston of Marvel Studios’ ‘Loki’ at the San Diego Comic-Con International 2019 Marvel Studios Panel in Hall H on July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

Then to the delight of the audience, Hiddleston answered the biggest question from “Avengers: Endgame”:  “Where did Loki go when he took the Space Stone?” We’ll keep the answer our little secret…

Doctor Strange faces the villain Nightmare in his second film. Source: Disney / Marvel Studios

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Feige introduced the second film in the “Doctor Strange” franchise, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” and called the director, Scott Derrickson, and star Benedict Cumberbatch to the stage to a rousing welcome. This film will be the first “horror-style” film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, debuting the villain Nightmare.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: Benedict Cumberbatch of Marvel Studios’ ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ at the San Diego Comic-Con International 2019 Marvel Studios Panel in Hall H on July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

In a surprise twist, Feige brought out Elizabeth Olsen, who also stars in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” and they talked about how “WandaVision”—the Disney+ series that Olsen will star in as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch—connects directly to the feature-film storyline.

“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” hits theaters on May 7, 2021.

Marvel’s ‘What If’ animated series highlights the most significant events of the MCU in a different timeline. Source: Disney / Marvel Studios

WHAT IF…?

Feige offered new information on “What If…?,” the first animated series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “What If…?” is being created exclusively for Disney+ and features stories that present alternate realities in the Marvel universe. 

Feige mentioned that many actors from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe will reprise their roles as voice talent in the series. He then surprised the audience by bringing Jeffrey Wright to the stage and introducing him as the voice of the popular character The Watcher in the new series.

“What If…?” joins the Disney+ lineup in the summer of 2021.

Jeremy Renner reprises his role as the arrow-slinging Avenger in ‘Hawkeye’ Disney+ original series. Source” Disney / Marvel Studios

Hawkeye

Jeremy Renner came on stage and revealed the previously undisclosed title of the Hawkeye Disney+ original series. He joined Kevin Feige to give exciting news about “Hawkeye,” including details about Kate Bishop, a character well-known in Marvel comics, who will be an integral part of the series.

“Hawkeye” launches on Disney+ in the fall of 2021.

Thor’s adventures continue in the fourth film of the character in 2021. Source: Disney / Marvel Studios

Thor: Love and Thunder

Feige talked about the next Thor film, “Thor: Love and Thunder,” which will be the fourth feature film in the “Thor” franchise. It was revealed that Jane Foster, played by Natalie Portman, will become the Mighty Thor, the Goddess of Thunder.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: (L-R) President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige, Director Taika Waititi, Natalie Portman and Chris Hemsworth of Marvel Studios’ ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ at the San Diego Comic-Con International 2019 Marvel Studios Panel in Hall H on July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

Director Taika Waititi, Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, and Natalie Portman all came on stage for the presentation, eliciting a wild response from the Hall H audience as Portman took Mjolnir from Waititi. When asked what was to happen for Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie now that she is King of New Asgard, Thompson replied: “Well, now that Valkyrie is King, the priority is finding a Queen.” Valkyrie will be the first openly LGBTQIA+ superhero of the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

“Thor: Love and Thunder” debuts in theaters on November 5, 2021.

Marvel explores the origin of Natasha Romanoff’s Black Widow in this standalone film. Source: Disney / Marvel Studios

Black Widow

With all of the exciting announcements for Phase 4 of the MCU, fans were left wondering where the next phase of the superhero saga would begin. Kevin Feige put on a black hat with the black widow symbol, only this time the symbol had a silhouette of Natasha in the middle!

Feige officially announced the feature film “Black Widow,” which is slated for a May 1, 2020 release in U.S. theaters, making it the first film of Phase Four to hit the big screen.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: (L-R) David Harbour, Florence Pugh, O-T Fagbenle, Rachel Weisz and Scarlett Johansson of Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Widow’ at the San Diego Comic-Con International 2019 Marvel Studios Panel in Hall H on July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

Feige surprised the audience with the first footage from “Black Widow,” which is currently in production. The film is directed by Cate Shortland who was on hand to greet the Hall H audience along with Scarlett Johansson, reprising her role of Natasha Romanoff, as well as newcomers to the Marvel Cinematic Universe David Harbour as Alexei aka The Red Guardian (the Soviet Union’s response to Captain America), Florence Pugh as Yelena, O-T Fagbenle as Mason and Rachel Weisz as Melina.

What’s Next?

Finally, as the panel wrapped up, Kevin Feige listed off other projects currently in the work for phase 4 and beyond, “we didn’t get a chance to talk about ‘Black Panther 2’, we didn’t get the chance to talk about ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 3’, we didn’t get the chance to talk ‘Captain Marvel 2’, we didn’t have time for ‘Fantastic Four’, and we didn’t have time for mutants.” With each property announced, Hall H roared with excitement. But this wasn’t where it ended.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: Mahershala Ali (C) of Marvel Studios’ ‘Blade’ at the San Diego Comic-Con International 2019 Marvel Studios Panel in Hall H on July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

Feige invited two-time Oscar-winning actor, Mahershala Ali, to the stage. Ali was carrying a black baseball cap but the logo was different. Feige asked, “Mahershala, what does your hat say?” where Ali put on the hat in response. Hall H went completely dark and the letters B-L-A-D-E appeared on the screen above the panel.

Mahershala Ali will play Blade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Source: Disney / Marvel Studios

Without much more information provided, we’re left to assume that Mahershala Ali will be playing the infamous day-walker vampire in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “Blade” is no stranger to the silver screen, as the character was portrayed by Wesley Snipes in the early 2000s.

There is so much more information to be provided for Phase 4 and beyond, and all will be revealed at this year’s D23 Expo in August at the Anaheim Convention Center. Looks like Phase 4 is going to be even more jam-packed with heroes than Phase 3-1 combined!

Which hero are you most excited to see in Phase 4? Let us know! And make sure to visit TLEV Media daily for all movie, theme parks, and entertainment news.