The current MCU has a nasty focus on sequels, and with Phase 5 and 6 timelines released, the upcoming movies won’t end until 2024.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has a frustrating sequel obsession, and with the phases 5 and 6 timeline released now, the upcoming movies won’t break that plan until 2024. In 2022, the MCU will continue to expand its universe and introduce new characters in TV shows such as Mrs. Marvel and Moon Knight. In phases 5 and 6, things get even bigger, with the Mutants joining other beloved Marvel Comics characters, including the arrival of the Fantastic Four. The MCU is also expanding its Disney+ lineup, with spin-offs such as Agatha: Coven of Chaos and Echo exploring new characters from established TV series.
But while exciting new characters are introduced throughout the MCU, the next five movies (including Captain America: New World Order) are all sequels. Of Sheet and other MCU movies are delayed, audiences wait until mid-2024 for the next non-sequel movie, Lightning strikes. While audiences love to see their favorite characters return, it’s frustrating to have to wait so long for a new story, especially considering that more than half of Phase 4 is already made up of sequels. Plus, with the number of new characters introduced all at once, it seems like it’s going to be a long wait for the audience.
Why the MCU’s Multiverse Saga Is Usually a Sequel
The Multiverse Saga follows the Blip. The problematic number of sequels allows the MCU to tell audiences how their favorite characters reacted to this seismic event as they continue their storylines. After the main course avengers movies return the characters to their own worlds and different lives with loose ends, and sequels allow the MCU to tie them together. Also, the concept of the Multiverse is complex, so adding too many new characters can create plot holes or mean that the Multiverse itself isn’t explored properly, as movies with new characters tend to focus more on the protagonist’s personal journeys. , rather than on the wider MCU links.
Also from a business standpoint, sequels are better bets in terms of box office gross and audience turnout. The characters are already known and loved, so there’s less risk of underperformance, as shown by Eternals‘ mixed reception. Even if the reviews are mediocre, audiences still want to follow their beloved characters, as highlighted by Thor: The Dark World​​​​​​​. That film was not the most critically received MCU product, but was commercially successful. Sequels can also be used for crossovers with other MCU characters that become cinematic events almost as big as the avengers movies, as illustrated by Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Can the future of the MCU escape the sequel trend?
However, new MCU characters are introduced in sequels, such as Xochitl Gomez’s America Chavez is introduced in Doctor Strange and the multiverse of madness. This allows the MCU to cement new personalities in the universe without the financial risk of focusing a movie entirely on a new, untested figure. It’d be safe to assume they’ll get their own movies in time, and the MCU will produce fewer sequels once the newer members of the universe become more of a household name.
The Multiverse Saga still has and continues to release new stories, but they have found their format on TV rather than film, like Mrs. Marvel. Introducing characters through the Disney+ shows gives the MCU time to develop the characters’ story without making the Multiverse Saga too fast-paced or confusing. Phases 5 and 6 also have original movies to look forward to, such as: Lightning strikes and Marvel’s Fantastic Four. The Marvel Cinematic Universe will hopefully still be producing new movies in the future, but as more and more characters are introduced, they’re unlikely to water down the sequel focus any time soon.
