The Marvel Cinematic Universe has undoubtedly been one of the most successful movie franchises of all time, with a staggering $22.5 billion in global box office revenue thus far. The franchise has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, with its memorable characters, epic storylines, and incredible special effects leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe promises to be just as exciting, with several highly anticipated releases slated for 2021. Here is a look ahead at what to expect in the coming year.
Black Widow: May 7, 2021
Black Widow is the much-anticipated standalone movie featuring the popular Avenger Natasha Romanoff. Scarlett Johansson will reprise her role as the former KGB agent turned superhero, who must confront the demons of her past while taking on a new threat. The film will also introduce new characters, including fellow spy Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and Taskmaster, the enigmatic villain with the ability to mimic any enemy.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: July 9, 2021
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings marks the first Marvel movie to center around an Asian superhero. Simu Liu will play the titular character, a kung fu master with extraordinary fighting skills. The movie will also feature Awkwafina as a yet-to-be-revealed character and Tony Leung as the Mandarin, the notorious leader of the Ten Rings organization.
The Eternals: November 5, 2021
The Eternals promises to be one of the most ambitious releases in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Chloe Zhao, the movie will explore the origins of an alien race known as the Eternals, who have lived secretly on Earth for centuries. Featuring a star-studded cast that includes Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Richard Madden, and Kumail Nanjiani, the movie will take audiences on a wild ride through time and space.
Spider-Man 3: December 17, 2021
While details surrounding the new Spider-Man movie are still scarce, fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Tom Holland in his role as the beloved webslinger. The movie will be the third installment in the current Spider-Man series, and rumors indicate that it may involve the multiverse in some capacity. Major characters from previous Spider-Man iterations, including Alfred Molina’s Doc Ock and Jamie Foxx’s Electro, are reportedly set to return.
What about the future beyond 2021?
The future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe beyond 2021 remains shrouded in secrecy, but there are already some hints about what’s to come. Among the confirmed future releases are Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the Sorcerer Supreme, and Thor: Love and Thunder, which will see Natalie Portman return to the franchise as a female version of Thor. Other possible developments include sequels to Black Panther, Captain Marvel, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Conclusion
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting legions of fans around the world. While the pandemic has caused delays for many of the upcoming releases, fans can look forward to an exciting year ahead with Black Widow, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, The Eternals, and Spider-Man 3 all set to hit theaters. With a wealth of new characters and storylines on the horizon, the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe promises to be just as epic and unforgettable as what we’ve seen before.