Endgame but not the end: 5 Marvel movies that will keep the ball rolling post Avengers
While the Avengers saga comes to an end with the release of Endgame, Marvel fans are still spoilt for choice until 2023 with several solo and ensemble movies lined up
One snap of his gauntlet-clad fingers!
That’s all it took for Thanos to wipe out half of the population of the universe, not to mention some of the mightiest Marvel heroes. But those were the events of last year’s Avengers: Infinity War, a beast of a superhero movie that set the ball rolling for the swansong of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. A lot has changed between then and now.
Thanos
For instance, the Avengers – well, to be precise the OG heroes – have picked up the shattered pieces of their lives and joined forces once again to take down the mad titan. Team Cap and co. have also received some reinforcement in the form of MCU’s latest entrant, Captain Marvel, played by the Oscar-winning Brie Larson.
While all of this unfolds on screen, some major developments have taken place IRL (‘in real life’, in case you were wondering). After more than a year of back-and-forth, Disney finally closed its $71 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox last month. With this merger, the Burbank-headquartered company now owns some of the best performing original Marvel properties like X-Men and Fantastic Four.
The Avengers
Not only does this open the doors to newer characters and franchises, it also increases possibilities for numerous cross-overs and spinoffs. If anything, when the Avengers saga comes to an end with the release of Endgame, we might be heartbroken but not devoid of choices.
We take a quick look at five Marvel movies that are in the works post Avengers: Endgame.
Spider-Man: Far from Home: July 2, 2019
Spider-Man: Far from Home
Also read: The science of ice cream: A food scientist tells us all about the trendy flavours this summer
"Mr. Stark, I don't feel so good.”
These were the last words from Spider-Man before his existence was dissolved with one fatal snap from Thanos. Perhaps one of the most emotional scenes in Infinity War, the death of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man devastated fans but also gave them some hope.
Everyone knew Holland would be returning for the sequel to the 2017 hit Spider-Man: Homecoming. These hopes were boosted when Marvel confirmed the making of Spider-Man: Far from Home.
Supposed to be the last outings of Phase III, the upcoming Spidey movie is going to take us into the aftermath of Endgame, where fan-favourite Peter Parker is headed for a European adventure. Along the way, at some point, he will meet THE Nick Fury as the two team-up to take down the villainous Mysterio.
Black Widow: Undated
Black Widow
They say good things come to those who wait. And boy, have Marvel fans waited for an eternity to see Natasha Romanoff take centre stage. All by herself!
Since her very first outing in fact, the demand for a solo Black Widow movie – starring Scarlett Johansson and no other – has been gathering steam. After a decade and more than 20 movies, it looks like the project is finally taking shape.
Marvel shortlisted director Cate Shortland to helm the project (the second woman director to tackle a Marvel movie) with production due to begin this June. If all goes well, the film could see the light of the day in early 2020.
Black Panther 2: Undated
Black Panther
How can the Wakandan adventure not be on this list? Black Panther, starring Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, and Michael B Jordan in the lead roles was one of Marvel’s highest grossing films of 2018. Not only box office success, the film also garnered rave reviews and became a critics’ darling to secure its position among this year’s Oscar nominees for Best Picture.
It’s almost certain at the moment that Marvel will take us through another Wakandan journey soon, but when the movie will actually hit the theatres is not final yet. When it happens, expect director Ryan Coogler to reprise his role both as the director and writer for Black Panther 2.
Doctor Strange 2: sometime in 2021
Dr. Strange
Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange has gained both prominence among fans and importance in the cinematic universe since his arrival in the MCU. So much so that in last year’s Avengers: Infinity War, the entire plot was hanging by Doctor Strange’s one crucial decision: to give up the time stone to Thanos.
A decisive moment indeed, the scene in a way sealed the fate of the movie and also of our favourite wizard.
Although Marvel is not letting slip much details at the moment, dedicated movie sites have reported that the sequel might release in 2021. Cumberbatch will most likely be reprising his role as Doctor Strange while Scott Derickson takes charge as director.
Guardians of the Galaxy 3: Undated
Guardians of the Galaxy
No other Marvel movie has generated as much controversy as the Guardians of the Galaxy volume. A less popular franchise as compared to the Avengers, the Guardians suddenly shot to news last year when Disney fired director James Gunn over some questionable tweets.
The controversy, however, didn’t end there. After the entire cast of the film, including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, and others took to social media, urging the studios to reconsider the decision, Disney rehired Gunn, putting all speculation to rest.
The good news is that Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is happening. But there might be a considerable delay in production. Our advice is sit back and relax until 2023 – the probable year of release. The Star Lord shall be back!