How will Marvel continue its cinematic influence?
Despite the finality of its title, Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame is definitely not the end of the prolific series. The film recently grew to become the highest-grossing film ever made, surpassing previous titleholder Avatar (2009). Fans may feel bittersweet at the final stories told with the crop of characters that helped bring to life the first three phases of Marvel’s lengthy plan, but comic book fans and superhero lovers have new faces and deeper backstories to explore with Marvel’s Phase 4. These include a standalone Black Widow film for Scarlett Johansson, a Blade film starring Mahershala Ali, and several other projects that will be rolled out across cinemas and on the Disney+ streaming service.
Marvel’s Impact
Marvel has taken us on a tremendous decade-long journey with a selection of heroes we have both loved and loved to hate. Not only has it helped reinvigorate the style of storytelling that involves rich mythologies, requires multiple re-watches, and incorporates many storylines across a franchise, but it has galvanised its rivalry with DC, leading to double the superhero content. The series has spawned spin-offs, encouraged people to deep dive into the comic basis of the films, and has produced a range of video games. In fact, are even slots online that take the theme of Marvel’s superheroes, such as Playtech’s Captain American game and Iron Man 2 scratch card. You can buy a Marvel-themed pencil case, water bottle, towel, bedspread, and even engagement ring – showing just how much of an impact the series has had on its many fans.
Phase 4 details
So, what next for Phase 4? Well, 2020 will see Black Widow and the Angelina Jolie flick The Eternals, while Shang-Chi’s film will be released in 2021, as well as the next instalment of Thor and Doctor Strange. The TV series that will be spawned are perhaps some of the more exciting additions to the next phase. These include The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which will follow Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes; WandaVision will star Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlett Witch, while Loki will feature Tom Hiddleston reprising his role as the villainous Norse god. The move towards the TV series is likely to help improve the offering of Disney+, especially in comparison to other streaming sites such as Netflix and NOW TV. The phase looks to be going off in another direction compared to pre-Endgame, and looks to continue the level of quality that Marvel fans are used to.
The success of Marvel’s first decade of their MCU series has shown just how engaged fans can be and how profitable the franchise is. Not only has Marvel helped inspire other superhero films and ways to connect with the series, but it has inspired other franchises who might take a more connected approach to telling their stories across multiple media. Phase 4 will continue the success of Marvel, while fans will be able to dive back into the vault with Disney+ to recreate the magic of the first time they engaged with the expansive franchise.
The editorial unit
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