Marvel Studios has some big plans for the year 2023, with five films scheduled to be released throughout the year. While plot details are scarce, fans have been speculating about what might be in store for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and here we will be breaking down what we know so far about these upcoming films.
1. Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania
The third installment of the Ant-Man franchise is set to release on February 17th, 2023. Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly will be reprising their roles as Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne, while Jonathan Majors will be playing Kang the Conqueror, a major villain in the Marvel Comics. The film is expected to explore the Multiverse, which was introduced in Loki, and will likely tie in with the Doctor Strange sequel.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
James Gunn’s highly anticipated third film in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise is scheduled for release on May 5th, 2023. The film will likely pick up where the second film left off, with the Guardians searching for Gamora (who was killed in Avengers: Infinity War, only for a version of her from a different timeline to appear in the present day in Avengers: Endgame). The film is also expected to feature Adam Warlock, a powerful cosmic being from the comics, who was teased in a mid-credits scene in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
3. Fantastic Four
Marvel Studios will be taking on the Fantastic Four franchise for the first time on July 28th, 2023. Directed by Spider-Man: No Way Home’s Jon Watts, the film is expected to introduce Marvel’s first family to the MCU. While little is known about the plot, many fans are hoping the film will take inspiration from the Johnathan Hickman run of Fantastic Four comics, which feature the team exploring the Multiverse.
4. Deadpool 3
While not officially confirmed, it is heavily rumored that Ryan Reynolds will be returning as Wade Wilson/Deadpool in his third solo film, set to release on October 6th, 2023. With his recent appearance in the MCU, fans are curious to see how Reynolds’ raunchy and irreverent character will fit within the family-friendly brand that Marvel has cultivated.
5. Blade
The final film in Marvel’s 2023 lineup is the Blade reboot, set to release on December 15th, 2023. Starring Mahershala Ali in the titular role, the film will be a modern take on the classic vampire hunter character. While plot details are scarce, it has been confirmed that the film will have an R rating, making it the first R-rated film in the MCU.
While Marvel has been notoriously tight-lipped about plot details, fans are excited to see what lies ahead for the MCU in 2023. From the Multiverse to a new take on classic characters, it seems like Marvel is ready to push boundaries and explore new territory with their upcoming slate of films.