The Marvel Cinematic Universe has always been an intricately planned web of interwoven storytelling that leads to an ultimate climatic ending. As Marvel Studios prepares for a whole new overarching storyline beginning with Phase 4, new plans have been laid out, including when each film or series is to be released. This release schedule is meticulously maintained and purposely correlated by the studio to lay the proper hints and Easter Eggs for the impending story to come. Thanks to COVID-19 and the global pandemic, everything has been thrown into turmoil. Now, as life attempts to get back to some semblance of normal, Marvel is working on a brand new release schedule and trying their best to keep the continuity of the MCU in check.
WandaVision has become the new kick off for Phase 4 of the MCU, due to be released before the end of this year. Originally, the solo Black Widow prequel was meant to start it all off this past May. Of course, with theaters closed worldwide, this did not happen. The follow up was meant to be The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, but their production was also halted and unable to be completed until just recently. This threw everything that was planned out the window.
In the recent Entertainment Weekly article on WandaVision, a quick blurb shows that Marvel Studios has properly handled this twist that life has thrown at us, and is working to make sure everything still works in their continuity.
“With the pandemic shuffling release dates, Marvel is also taking extra care to ensure the new schedule won’t spoil story continuity.”
This is reassuring news for fans, who have become accustomed to Marvel’s world building stories. Even though this pandemic basically nullified the year 2020 for everyone, we are still getting a Disney+ show this year, and 4 Marvel properties next year: The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Black Widow, Shang-Chi, and Eternals. 2021 is looking up for Marvel fans, and the MCU’s Phase 4 looks to be on the right track after all.
Are you excited that Marvel is working so hard to keep their MCU world building on track? Let us know in the comments below!