Salve, salve Nerd Stickers family! Chaene Da Gama here once again with you all, how’s it going? Around here, we keep moving forward, conquering each day, reading, watching, and learning more and more to bring great content and discussions to the Blog Da Firma. Well, it’s no surprise to anyone that the “Father” here is fascinated by the “MCU,” remembering that comics have always been part of my life. My earliest memories involve discovering this world of comic books, tokusatsus, and so on. I have to emphasize this because otherwise, it might seem like I’m just a “Marvete” (Yes, I am!), but I also really like the “DC, Vertigo, Midtown Comics” universe, etc. okay? Let’s make that clear!
Marvel announced on its official channels on 09/10/2021 four more release dates for 2024. We still don’t know if they will close Phase 4 or already represent Phase 5, and even more, they didn’t give any further details or titles, so yes, we were left hanging: The dates are:
February 16, 2024 – Untitled Marvel movie
May 3, 2024 – Untitled Marvel movie
July 26, 2024 – Untitled Marvel movie
November 8, 2024 – Untitled Marvel movie
After this bombshell news that has been filling fans’ heads and theory blogs, let’s decode and talk a bit more about the current phase:
Phase 4
Phase 4 of Marvel is what we are currently seeing in theaters and also on Disney’s official streaming platform. And just thinking about it, since the “Big Boss” Kevin Feige made his official announcement at San Diego Comic-Con, the biggest nerd event on the planet, so to speak, in 2019, we are practically “almost” halfway through. I said almost, considering that this phase only ends in 2023 or maybe in 2024. A lot is still going to happen, so get your wallets ready… “And take my money, Disney.” (Crying and laughing).
In theaters this year, we have already had the chance to watch “Black Widow” and “Shang-Chi” (still showing). “Eternals” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” will arrive in the coming months. For 2022, the second film of “Black Panther – Wakanda Forever,” the fourth of the Nordic God, “Thor: Love and Thunder,” and, of course, the sequel to the Supreme Sorcerer’s saga “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
Also for 2022, we will have the continuation of “Captain Marvel–The Marvels.” For 2023, Marvel has already announced sequels for “Guardians of the Galaxy – Vol 3,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” and perhaps the arrival of “Blade” and the “Fantastic Four” in the MCU, thus ending Phase 4. Sometimes these titles may be among those announced dates, imagine the planning!
The schedule has been strictly followed, and even in pandemic times, the MCU remains huge with its productions. The arrival of Disney Plus in millions of homes worldwide is another major differentiator. Spin-off series show adventures of various film characters, giving continuity and prominence to them, connecting their stories to the next saga that begins to be written now after the events in “Avengers: Endgame,” which ended the “Infinity Saga.”
Marvel Disney Plus Series
Disney’s official streaming platform, “Disney+ or Disney Plus,” officially launched in Brazil on 11/17/2020. There, in addition to all the movies and series under the Mickey Mouse brand, you can find the entire “Star Wars Saga” and all Marvel movies in one place. Series like The Mandalorian, for example, are franchise exclusives, along with original content you can only find there.
Perhaps this was the key to the platform’s immediate success, which now has over 100 million subscribers worldwide. Sure, Netflix has twice as many subscribers, but it has been around for 10 years. Disney reached half of that in just two years. Even the executives themselves did not expect these numbers. This, in a way, is good for consumers because the quality of the product (the productions) tends to improve in the long run.
The first official Marvel series to be included in the Disney+ catalog was WandaVision, which launched simultaneously worldwide on 01/15/2021. With nine episodes, it became an absolute success, completely different from the usual Marvel style, which is all about fighting, suits, villains, and imminent global and universal threats.
WandaVision
In WandaVision, we see how intense and deep Wanda Maximoff’s grief was after losing her great love forever. She manages to create, with her powers, a parallel reality to ours, taking control of an entire city’s consciousness, and, of course, bringing “Vision” back and even projecting the children they had planned to have, inserting them into sitcom-like scenarios reminiscent of shows she and her family watched as a child. Sinister.
In this reality created, so to speak, by the “voices in Wanda’s head,” they live what was undoubtedly the dream of both. Completely mastering chaos magic, Wanda, now as the “Scarlet Witch,” has certainly become the most powerful character in the MCU (for me, she always was), and this could create problems later on. Wanda is confirmed for the next Doctor Strange movie, Multiverse of Madness, and judging by its title, she will likely cause trouble for the protector of our reality and the Sanctum Sanctorum.
WandaVision was so well received by the public and critics that it is competing for 23 Emmy nominations, the world’s most prestigious television awards, including Best Limited Series and acting nominations for Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda) and Paul Bettany (Vision).
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is the second official Marvel series on Disney+, narrating the adventures of the two characters closest to Steve Rogers and the legacy of Captain America. Sam, the Falcon, and Bucky, the Winter Soldier debuted on Disney+ on March 15, 2021.
With six episodes and plenty of action, the show revolves around the question of who will succeed Captain America. Steve entrusted this responsibility to Sam at the end of Endgame, and Bucky, Captain America’s best friend since World War II (only the real ones know), also supports the decision. However, Sam doesn’t want to take on the burden and hands over the shield to the government, believing it would be placed in a museum. But that’s not what happens—the U.S. government decides to create a new Captain America, especially since the world is in crisis following the post-Blip era. After all, billions of people returned out of nowhere when the Hulk snapped his fingers, causing a global impact.
One of the highlights of the series is Isaiah Bradley, the first Black Captain America, who was erased and mistreated by the government. The series tackles themes of representation and Black empowerment in a powerful way, showing the difficult journey Sam had to take before becoming the new Captain America.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier received five Emmy nominations.
Loki
Loki arrived on Disney+ on June 9, 2021, and is undoubtedly one of the best Marvel series so far. The events of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame had a massive impact on Phase 4, including the fact that the God of Mischief truly died at the hands of Thanos.
When the Avengers traveled back in time using the Quantum Realm to retrieve the Infinity Stones and reverse the Blip, the past version of Loki, captured in the first Avengers movie, unexpectedly escaped due to an unforeseen error. This act made him a variant, creating dangerous timeline branches that threatened the space-time continuum.
He is immediately captured by the Time Variance Authority (TVA), where he discovers an entirely new form of power—one he had never encountered before. One of the most intense scenes in the series shows Loki watching his own future, all the way to his inevitable death.
Tasked by Mobius, a TVA agent, Loki must hunt down a variant of himself from another timeline who is destabilizing all realities.
Sylvie stole the show—and Loki’s heart—admit it. And yes, Alligator Loki was absolutely legendary.
Loki explores time travel consequences, alternate versions of characters, and the massive impact these changes will have on the future of the MCU.
At the end of the season, a new and potentially massive villain for Phase 5 is introduced—“He Who Remains,” also known as Kang the Conqueror. He is just as powerful as Thanos, and the comics have proven this time and time again.
Loki is the only Marvel series so far to be officially renewed for a second season.
What If
What If has been airing weekly since August 11, 2021, exploring the question “What if?” Narrated by The Watcher, a being as old as the creation of the universe, this entity observes every decision made by all beings. It is fascinating to think about how a single choice can change everything.
What if Captain Carter had been the one to receive the Super Soldier Serum instead of Steve Rogers, becoming the First Avenger? What if T’Challa, the Prince of Wakanda, became Star-Lord? What if Earth’s Mightiest Heroes died before they even met, before they became the Avengers?
And what if Doctor Strange lost his love instead of the use of his hands (which, in my humble opinion, is the best episode so far)? What if, upon being sent to Earth, Hulk/Banner arrived in the middle of a zombie apocalypse?
These are just some of the questions posed by The Watcher in the first five episodes released so far. The first season is still ongoing, but season two has already been confirmed.
The Marvel Phase 4 series will continue until the end of next year. Before that, we still have Hawkeye, which premieres on November 24, 2021, and possibly a short or an episode introducing Ms. Marvel to the MCU.
For 2022, we can expect She-Hulk, Moon Knight, Armor Wars, Secret Invasion, I Am Groot, and Guardians of the Galaxy – Holiday Special, closing out Phase 4 on Disney+.
Black Widow
The pandemic affected every industry worldwide, which is no surprise. Despite this, Natasha Romanoff’s solo film, Black Widow, performed well in theaters and on Disney+ (Scarlett Johansson would disagree), holding the #1 spot for several weeks. Unfortunately, critics and some fans weren’t thrilled. Personally, I admit it’s not one of the best MCU productions.
The film explores Natasha’s origins, showing why she was recruited into the Red Room at such a young age. Facing the ghosts of her past, she is forced to reunite with the only family she ever knew. The movie delivers plenty of espionage, action, and intense fight sequences, especially with the villain Taskmaster, who can mimic any fighting style. Natasha will have her hands full.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZm9ZeLt8Ok[/embed]
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Shang-Chi was a hero that never really caught my attention in the comics—just like the Guardians of the Galaxy—but that was my mistake. I’m making up for lost time, reading as much as I can right now.
The Ten Rings are ancient relics of unknown origin, granting their wielder immense power and superhuman abilities. The Mandarin has possessed these rings for centuries, conquering nations and founding the Ten Rings Organization, which also grants him immortality.
In search of even greater power, Wenwu learns of a hidden village—the supposed source of all Chinese legends and mystical creatures, as well as a superior form of Kung Fu. Upon arriving, he falls in love with one of its inhabitants, Li. Choosing to abandon his life of conquest, Wenwu and Li marry and have two children: Shang-Chi and Xialing.
However, Wenwu’s past catches up to him. After losing Li, he resumes his life as The Mandarin, training his son to become a ruthless assassin. But young Shang-Chi rebels, fleeing to the United States. Of course, ten years later, his past comes crashing back into his life.
Shang-Chi has been a massive box office success worldwide, which is especially impressive considering we are still in the middle of a pandemic.
This film is a huge win for Asian representation. The fight choreography is stunning, and the mysticism behind Kung Fu and its deeper meaning are portrayed beautifully.
Highly recommended—go watch it in theaters now. And don’t skip the post-credit scene—it confirms Shang-Chi as a New Avenger. Watch it today, and tell me what you think in the comments. Want to know even more about Shang-Chi? There’s an exclusive article about him right here on the blog, right, Hugo?
Eternals
Eternals hits theaters on November 5, 2021, and I promise to bring you a review soon. I can already tell you that this movie is going to be insane.
Thanos’ “relatives” are just as powerful as he is. Check out the trailer—the hype is real, and this film might explain a lot about the universe we love so much.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjO-qmj_vs0[/embed]
Spider-Man
Finally, closing out the year in December, we have the long-awaited sequel to Spider-Man: No Way Home—which already has its own article here on the blog.
And you—what are you most excited for in Phase 4?
Which movies and series are your favorites so far?
There’s still so much on the horizon, and I believe that an epic conclusion to Phase 5 will likely bring a fifth Avengers film, along with the long-awaited arrival of the Fantastic Four and the X-Men.
With so many new heroes joining the MCU, the future challenges ahead are bound to be even greater. And in the end, the real winners are the fans.
Thank you, Nerd Stickers family! Read, like, and leave your comments. #StayWithUs
I dedicate this article—and my entire life—to the memory of my beloved grandfather, Leopoldino Ribeiro Gama, one of my real-life heroes. Rest in peace and in infinite power.
