Marvel Phase 5 Timeline: Every Movie & Series Planned
As a fan of the MCU, I’m excited to dive into the upcoming Phase 5 and explore what’s in store. The Multiverse Saga is reaching new heights, and I’m eager to share the latest updates on the movies and shows that will shape this new chapter.
The current state of the MCU is thrilling, with new projects emerging and beloved characters returning.
In this introduction, I’ll provide an overview of the upcoming movies and series, highlighting their significance in the larger narrative and what fans can expect from this exciting new phase.
By examining the MCU’s transition into Phase 5, we can gain insight into the future storylines and the eventual conclusion of the Multiverse Saga.
The Current State of the MCU
As Marvel’s Phase 5 nears its conclusion, the MCU continues to evolve with exciting new developments.
The fifth phase has been a mixed bag, but it’s undeniable that the movies and shows have collectively pushed the MCU timeline forward in significant ways.
Wrapping Up Phase 5
With only a few projects left, Phase 5 is almost complete. The remaining movies and shows will wrap up ongoing storylines and set the stage for what’s to come.
Some of the key developments include the introduction of new characters and the expansion of existing story arcs.
Transitioning to the Multiverse Saga
Phase 5 marks a significant shift towards the Multiverse Saga, a new era for the MCU. This transition is not just about new stories but also about how these stories interconnect and expand the universe.
The Multiverse Saga promises to bring a fresh wave of excitement and complexity to the franchise.
Understanding the Marvel Phase 5 Timeline
With multiple projects releasing between 2023 and 2025, the Marvel Phase 5 timeline is a thrilling ride. By the time it concludes, the MCU’s Phase 5 will consist of 15 projects, including 6 movies and 9 shows on Disney+.
This phase has been more tumultuous than its predecessors, but it pays off elements from Phase 4 while setting up Phase 6, featuring some of the best MCU moments.
How Phase 5 Fits into the Multiverse Saga
Phase 5 serves as the middle chapter of the Multiverse Saga, bridging Phase 4’s introduction to the multiverse with Phase 6’s climactic conclusion.
It’s a critical component that expands the MCU’s narrative, introducing new characters and storylines while advancing existing ones.
Key Differences from Previous Phases
One of the key differences between Phase 5 and previous phases is the increased integration of Disney+ shows with the movie storylines.
This phase has seen a significant overlap between the two, creating a more cohesive and interconnected narrative.
Additionally, Phase 5 has been more tumultuous than previous phases, with changes in release schedules and production. However, this hasn’t detracted from the excitement, as it still delivers some of the best MCU moments.
The Marvel Phase 5 timeline is not just about the number of projects; it’s about how these projects come together to form a larger narrative. It’s a testament to Marvel’s storytelling capabilities and its ability to weave complex, interconnected storylines.
Released Marvel Phase 5 Movies
With the release of several key films, Marvel’s Phase 5 is shaping up to be a significant chapter in the MCU. This phase has already introduced several exciting new storylines and characters, setting the stage for what’s to come.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
The first Phase 5 project, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, marked the third installment in the Ant-Man franchise. It explored the subatomic universe known as the Quantum Realm and introduced Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was James Gunn’s final MCU film, providing a heartfelt conclusion to the original Guardians team. This movie brought a satisfying end to the galactic adventures of Star-Lord and his companions.
The Marvels
In The Marvels, Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, and Monica Rambeau came together for the first time in a cosmic conflict involving the Kree and the Skrulls. This film united three powerful characters in an exciting adventure.
Deadpool & Wolverine
The most recent Phase 5 project, Deadpool & Wolverine, is the first R-rated MCU film. It features Ryan Reynolds’ Wade Wilson and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine teaming up to save their X-Men reality, bringing Fox’s X-Men characters into the Marvel multiverse.
These released films have significantly contributed to the overall Phase 5 narrative, setting up future storylines and expanding the MCU. As the phase continues, fans can expect more exciting developments and character introductions.
Released Marvel Phase 5 Disney+ Series
As part of Marvel’s Phase 5, several Disney+ series have been released, offering fans new storylines and characters. These series have not only expanded the MCU but have also become essential viewing for understanding the complete narrative.
Secret Invasion
Secret Invasion, starring Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, was the first Phase 5 series. It revealed Nick Fury’s secret history with the Skrulls and his efforts to prevent a rogue Skrull faction from starting WWIII.
For more on related storylines, you can check the Crisis on Infinite Earths reading order.
Loki Season 2
Loki Season 2 continued the adventures of the God of Mischief outside of time and space with the TVA. The season concluded with Loki becoming a brand-new kind of god, significantly expanding the multiverse concept.
What If…? Season 2
What If…? Season 2 further explored alternate universes and the ongoing adventures of Captain Carter and Uatu the Watcher, enriching the MCU’s multiverse narrative.
Echo
Echo continued the story of Maya Lopez following the events of Hawkeye. The series reconnected Maya with her family and their ancient history, while also introducing Wilson Fisk’s Kingpin, setting up future storylines.
| Series | Main Characters | Release Time |
|---|---|---|
| Secret Invasion | Nick Fury | 2023 |
| Loki Season 2 | Loki | 2023 |
| What If…? Season 2 | Captain Carter, Uatu the Watcher | 2023 |
| Echo | Maya Lopez | 2024 |
These Disney+ series have enhanced the MCU, providing deeper insights into various characters and storylines. They are not just supplementary content but are integral to understanding the broader narrative of Phase 5.
Upcoming Marvel Phase 5 Movies
As we dive into the remainder of Phase 5, there are a few key movies that fans should be on the lookout for. The upcoming films promise to bring new excitement and developments to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Captain America: Brave New World
Captain America: Brave New World is set to continue Sam Wilson’s journey as the new Captain America.
The movie is expected to feature a significant shift in global power, with Harrison Ford reprising his role as Thaddeus Ross, now as the US President, alongside his alter ego, the Red Hulk.
Giancarlo Esposito will play the new villain, Sidewinder, while Tim Blake Nelson reprises his role as Samuel Sterns, aka The Leader.
Thunderbolts*
Thunderbolts* is slated for release in May 2025 and is anticipated to be the final MCU movie in Phase 5. The film will assemble a team of morally complex characters led by Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ CIA Director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine.
The team will include Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier, Florence Pugh’s Black Widow, and other notable characters.
| Movie Title | Release Date | Key Characters |
|---|---|---|
| Captain America: Brave New World | 2025 | Sam Wilson, Harrison Ford, Giancarlo Esposito |
| Thunderbolts* | May 2025 | Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, Julia Louis-Dreyfus |
Upcoming Marvel Phase 5 Disney+ Series
Marvel’s Phase5 is set to introduce a number of highly anticipated Disney+ series that will expand the MCU. These upcoming shows promise to bring new stories and characters to the forefront, continuing the momentum built in previous phases.
The first of these series is Agatha All Along, which continues the story of Agatha Harkness following the events of WandaVision.
Agatha will be attempting to reclaim her lost powers with an all-new coven of witches. This series is expected to release soon and will be a significant addition to the MCU.
Agatha All Along
Agatha All Along follows Agatha Harkness as she navigates her powers and confronts new challenges. The series will delve into the darker aspects of magic in the MCU, providing a fresh perspective on the supernatural elements introduced in WandaVision.
Eyes of Wakanda
Eyes of Wakanda is a four-part animated miniseries that will reveal new stories from Wakanda and its warriors throughout history. This series will expand the Black Panther mythology, offering insights into the rich cultural heritage of Wakanda.
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is an animated series that will offer an alternate take on Spider-Man’s origin story. In this reality, Norman Osborn becomes Peter Parker’s mentor instead of Tony Stark’s Iron Man, providing a unique twist on the classic narrative.
Ironheart
Ironheart is expected to be the last MCU show in Phase5, continuing Riri Williams’ story from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The series will follow Riri as she builds a new suit of armor, further integrating the character into the larger MCU.
These upcoming Disney+ series will not only enhance the current Phase5 narrative but also potentially set up elements for Phase6. For more information on Marvel’s Phase5, you can visit the Wikipedia page on Phase Five.
The Impact of Daredevil: Born Again
Daredevil: Born Again is poised to make a substantial impact on the MCU, bringing back beloved characters from the Netflix series. This highly anticipated show is set to continue the grounded, street-level storytelling that made the original series a fan favorite.
Returning Characters from the Original Series
The new series promises to bring back several characters from the original Daredevil series, including Charlie Cox’s Daredevil, Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin, Jon Bernthal’s Punisher, Elden Henson’s Foggy Nelson, and Deborah Ann Woll’s Karen Page.
The return of these characters will undoubtedly delight fans who have been following their journeys.
Connections to Echo and the Wider MCU
Daredevil: Born Again will not only continue the story of its titular character but also expand the street-level corner of the MCU in New York City.
It is expected to connect with other series like Echo, further enriching the Marvel universe. This integration represents Marvel’s commitment to incorporating fan-favorite elements from previous television properties into the MCU.
As Daredevil: Born Again prepares to release, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of these beloved characters and the new storylines that will unfold, potentially setting up future developments within the wider MCU.
How Phase 5 Continues Phase 4 Storylines
As we delve into Marvel Phase 5, it becomes clear that the phase is a direct continuation of the storylines established in Phase 4. The multiverse saga has been a significant focus, with various projects exploring its vast possibilities.
Multiverse Expansion
Phase 5 has expanded on the multiverse foundations laid in Phase 4 through projects like Loki Season 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine.
These shows and movies have deepened our understanding of the multiverse, introducing new characters and storylines that enrich the MCU.
Character Development Arcs
Character arcs begun in Phase 4 continue to develop throughout Phase 5’s movies and shows. The emergence of Kang the Conqueror in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania marked a significant turning point, setting the stage for the ongoing narrative of Phase 5.
The character development in these projects demonstrates Marvel’s long-term planning and commitment to storytelling.
The Shift from Kang to Doctor Doom
With Kang’s departure, Marvel is pivoting to a new villain – Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr.
This significant change in the MCU’s plans is a result of Jonathan Majors’ departure, which forced Marvel to rethink their storytelling approach.
The Multiverse Saga’s overarching threat remains, with Kang’s warnings about total multiversal collapse still looming.
Jonathan Majors’ Departure Impact
Jonathan Majors’ exit from the MCU left a void in Marvel’s plans, particularly with Kang the Conqueror being a central figure in the Multiverse Saga.
This departure necessitated a significant pivot in their storytelling, leading to the introduction of a new main villain.
The impact of this change is still being felt, with Marvel adjusting their narrative to accommodate the loss of Kang.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Surprising Return
Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU as Doctor Doom is a game-changer. This unexpected twist brings excitement and unpredictability to the franchise. The table below highlights the key differences between Kang and Doctor Doom:
| Character | Role in MCU | Notable Abilities |
|---|---|---|
| Kang the Conqueror | Main Villain (initially) | Time Travel, Strategic Genius |
| Doctor Doom | New Main Villain | Magic, Technological Prowess |
X-Men Integration into the MCU
Marvel’s acquisition of Fox has paved the way for the X-Men’s MCU debut. This significant development is set to expand the Marvel universe, introducing new characters and storylines.
The Marvels Post-Credit Scene
The Marvels post-credit scene featured Kelsey Grammer’s Beast, marking the first official X-Men character in the main MCU timeline.
This subtle introduction signals the beginning of a new era for the MCU, as it gradually incorporates the X-Men into its narrative.
Deadpool & Wolverine Connections
Deadpool & Wolverine brought numerous mutant characters into the multiverse, although they were kept separate from the main Earth-616 timeline.
This film acted more as a farewell to the Fox Marvel universe, rather than setting up anything major for the MCU going forward.
As the MCU continues to evolve, the integration of X-Men characters is expected to play a significant role in shaping its future storylines, potentially featuring Captain Marvel and other iconic characters on the big screen.
The Formation of New Teams
The MCU is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of new teams in Phase 5, marking a shift from the original Avengers lineup.
As the MCU evolves, the need for new teams becomes apparent, especially with the changing landscape of heroes and villains.
This phase is crucial for setting up the next generation of heroes and exploring different team dynamics. Two significant teams are emerging: the New Avengers and the Thunderbolts.
The New Avengers
The concept of a new Avengers team is taking shape, potentially led by Sam Wilson’s Captain America. Following the events of Captain America: Brave New World, there’s speculation about forming a new version of the Avengers.
This new lineup could include familiar faces in new roles, adapting to the changing needs of the MCU.
Thunderbolts Team Lineup
The Thunderbolts team is another exciting development, featuring a lineup of morally ambiguous characters.
Florence Pugh’s Black Widow and David Harbour’s Red Guardian are among the confirmed members, alongside Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier, Wyatt Russell’s U.S. Agent, Hannah John-Kammen’s Ghost, and Olga Kurylenko’s Taskmaster.
Assembled by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, this team is set to play a significant role in the MCU’s future, potentially influencing the direction of upcoming Avengers films.
Setting Up Phase 6
With Phase 5 nearing its conclusion, the stage is being set for the commencement of Phase 6. Marvel Studios has been laying the groundwork for this transition, and several key developments are pointing towards the future of the MCU.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is poised to kick off Phase 6, marking a significant milestone in the MCU. Directed by WandaVision’s Matt Shakman, the film stars Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing, and Joseph Quinn as Human Torch.
This new iteration of the Fantastic Four will play a crucial role in the upcoming movies.
Avengers: Doomsday Preparations
As Phase 6 progresses, the MCU is gearing up for Avengers: Doomsday, formerly known as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. Robert Downey Jr. is set to play Doctor Doom, becoming the new central villain.
This development is a significant shift in the MCU’s storyline, and Marvel Studios is preparing for a grand finale with Avengers: Secret Wars. The “first steps” taken by The Fantastic Four will be crucial in setting the stage for these events.
Key Villains in Phase 5
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has introduced several key villains in Phase5, shaping the narrative of the Multiverse Saga. These antagonists play a crucial role in driving the story forward and setting the stage for future developments.
Kang Variants
Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors, was initially positioned as the main threat in Phase5. His actions in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania unleashed multiple variants across different timelines, significantly impacting the MCU.
However, with Jonathan Majors’ departure from the MCU, the future of Kang’s character remains uncertain.
- Kang’s variants pose a significant threat to the MCU, creating multiple storylines and conflicts.
- The impact of Kang’s actions is felt across various movies and series in Phase5.
Other Antagonists
In addition to Kang, Phase5 has introduced other significant antagonists, including Kingpin in Echo and the witches in Agatha All Along.
These characters contribute to the richness and complexity of the MCU’s narrative, providing diverse challenges for the heroes.
- Kingpin’s return in Echo marks a significant development in the MCU’s villain landscape.
- The witches in Agatha All Along add a new layer of complexity to the MCU’s magical characters.
As the MCU continues to evolve, these villains will play a crucial role in shaping the story and characters, setting the stage for the Multiverse Saga’s progression.
The Multiverse Saga’s Endgame
The Multiverse Saga, which encompasses Phases 4, 5, and 6, is hurtling towards its epic conclusion with Avengers: Secret Wars.
As we approach the end of Phase 5, it’s essential to understand how the current projects are laying the groundwork for the grand finale. Marvel Studios has been meticulously setting the stage for this monumental event.
Incursions and Multiversal Collapse
The concept of incursions and multiversal collapse has been a recurring theme throughout Phase 4 and 5. The incursions refer to the collisions between different universes, which can lead to a catastrophic collapse of the multiverse.
This threat is being addressed in various Phase 5 projects, including Captain America: Brave New World, where Sam Wilson is warned about protecting Earth against “the others.”
The groundwork laid in these projects will likely play a crucial role in the events leading up to Avengers: Secret Wars.
Path to Secret Wars
The path to Secret Wars is being paved with significant events and character developments. Robert Downey Jr.’s return as Doctor Doom is expected to be a pivotal element in the multiversal threat that the Avengers will face.
The storyline is likely to be adapted from the beloved comic run, where the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and X-Men team up to stop an unimaginable threat.
With Avengers: Secret Wars scheduled for May 7, 2027, the anticipation is building up, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how the saga will conclude.
What to Watch Before Phase 6 Begins
As we approach the end of Marvel Phase5, it’s essential to know what to watch to be ready for Phase6. With several movies and shows lined up, understanding the key storylines and character developments is crucial.
Essential Movies
To prepare for Phase6, fans should revisit some key films from Phase4 and5. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania introduced Kang, a significant villain, while Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 concluded the Guardians’ storyline. Additionally, The Marvels set the stage for future cosmic storylines.
Must-See Disney+ Series
On the Disney+ front, series like Loki Season2 and Secret Invasion have significant implications for Phase6. Loki Season2 explored the multiverse, while Secret Invasion introduced a new threat to the MCU. Watching these series will provide essential context for the upcoming phase.
Conclusion
As we approach the end of Marvel Phase5, it’s clear that this period is a crucial bridge between the introduction of the multiverse in Phase4 and its culmination in Phase6.
The phase has been marked by significant developments, including the shift from Kang to Doctor Doom as the main villain, which has added a new layer of complexity to the MCU narrative.
The Marvel Phase5 timeline has expanded the universe in exciting new directions while continuing to develop beloved characters like Captain America.
Both phase movies and Disney+ shows have played a vital role in telling the complete story, with releases like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Loki Season2 captivating audiences.
As we look forward to the remaining projects, including Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts*, it’s evident that they will set the stage for the epic conclusion of the Multiverse Saga in Phase6.
