MARVEL's Phase 3 Slate - 10 Upcoming Releases Ranked From Least To Most Anticipated

MARVEL's Phase 3 Slate - 10 Upcoming Releases Ranked From Least To Most Anticipated

Marvel Studios has a total of ten movies on the way between now and 2020, but which should you be most excited about? They're a varied bunch, that's for sure, but some definitely look better than others...

Feature Opinion
By JoshWilding - Apr 07, 2016 10:04 AM EST
Filed Under: Avengers
loading


During their first two phases, Marvel Studios established themselves as the most dominant superhero movie making force in Hollywood, and both 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros. are now scrambling to catch up. Churning out billion dollar hits with The Avengers and Iron Man franchises and making even the likes of Ant-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy massively successful, there's no stopping Kevin Feige and company now, hence why they're going into Phase 3 with a lot of confidence and huge plans. 

So, with a total of ten films on the way between now and 2020, which are the most exciting? We've already taken a look at the DC Films Universe slate, but that in many ways pales in comparison to what's in store for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as familiar characters undergo major changes and many new ones hit the big screen fro the very first time. As well as a ranking of these all pretty awesome looking releases, we also take dive into everything we actually know about them so far. 


10. Inhumans (July 12th, 2019)

loading


Rumour has it that Inhumans isn't actually going to happen, but would that really be the end of the world? Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has kind of butchered the whole concept of these characters anyway, and while the likes of Black Bolt and Medusa definitely deserve the opportunity to appear on the big screen, there's still a chance this could end up feeling like a poor man's Guardians of the Galaxy if not handled the right way.

Providing they get the right creative team (Adam McKay directing would be pretty much perfect for example), I can get on board with Inhumans, but as things currently stand, there's really no reason to get excited about what the future holds in store for these heroes.


9. Thor: Ragnarok (November 3rd, 2017)

loading


Considering the fact that this could very well be the long awaited adaptation of Planet Hulk we've all been hoping for, I almost feel bad for not being more excited about Thor: Ragnarok, but the the God of Thunder being overshadowed in his own movie yet again (it was Loki the last couple of times) is definitely an issue.

The addition of The Hulk takes the spotlight not just from Thor, but also Ragnarok itself, and while Taika Waititi is a great choice of director - What We Do In The Shadows was a lot of fun - he's just as unproven as Alan Taylor was in some ways, and all that talk of bringing more humour to the franchise is hard to get excited about in what should be a serious film. 


8. Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 (May 5th, 2017)

loading


The first Guardians of the Galaxy movie was amazing, and the fact that James Gunn is returning to write and direct makes Vol. 2 undeniably exciting (as does the addition of cast members like Kurt Russell and Elizabeth Debicki).

However, despite how compelling the story behind the identity of Star-Lord's father is, the fact that Thanos will have no role in the sequel means this is unlikely to be the stepping stone to the team showing up in Avengers: Infinity War that most of us were hoping for. Don't get me wrong, I think this will be great - even if it is tough to follow what came before and actually top it - but the fact that it feels like a standalone piece is both a blessing and a curse.


7. Spider-Man (July 7th, 2017)

loading


Spider-Man entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Captain America: Civil War is going to be incredible, but will it be just as good when he's off on his own again? While Marvel Studios are involved with the hero's next solo outing, Sony still has final say, so who knows what their interference will lead to (on the plus side, at least Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach won't be getting involved).

As happy as I am to see Peter Parker in this world, I'm not as pleased to be going back to high school with him, a tedious period in the character's life we've already spent too much time focusing on. Cop Car's Jon Watts is a solid choice of director, but his lack of experience in this realm really could go either way.


6. Black Panther (February 16th, 2018)



Black Panther is a tough property to get right, so you can see why The Russos are avoiding paying a visit to Wakanda and exploring too much of his world in Captain America: Civil War later this year. That responsibility is going to be Ryan Coogler's, but after Creed, it's damn near impossible not to have faith in his vision for T'Challa.

Of course, we still need to see more of Chadwick Boseman in the role before expectations get too high, but he's a good actor, so there's probably not too much to fret about there. Unfortunately, I've always found that Black Panther works better as an Avenger than he does alone, so have mixed feelings about just how much franchise potential this one has.


5. Captain Marvel (March 8th, 2019)

loading


Captain Marvel may be the studio's first female led blockbuster, but that's far from the main reason this one is particularly exciting. Sure, we have no idea who's directing (Angelina Jolie has been rumoured) or who will play Carol Danvers, but the kinds of stories her presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe opens the door to have almost unlimited potential.

We're talking about a hero whose adventures could start on Earth and then head into outer space, while a badass female character like this one is long overdue in the MCU, especially as both Black Widow and Scarlet Witch have been relegated to supporting roles. In Captain Marvel, we could be looking at the next Avengers leader.


4. Doctor Strange (November 4th, 2016)

loading


The first official look at this movie is just days away, but based on what we've so far seen in the official stills and set photos, Doctor Strange is going to be something very special indeed.

With one of the best casts we've seen from a Marvel movie and a terrific leading man in the form of Benedict Cumberbatch, the only really disappointing thing about this one so far is the fact that it doesn't appear as if Mads Mikkelsen will be playing Dormammu, a role he would have been perfect for, especially if that fiery villain were to take the place of Thanos as this world's new big bad in Phase 4.

That aside, and the Sorcerer Supreme definitely seems to be in capable hands with Scott Derrickson.


3. Ant-Man And The Wasp (July 6th, 2018)

loading


Some of you will no doubt be surprised to see Ant-Man and The Wasp place so highly here, but the first movie was a real gem and it's going to be a lot of fun seeing where Peyton Reed takes things next now that he's starting from scratch without Edgar Wright's influence.

Paul Rudd and Adam McKay's role in penning the screenplay inspires a lot of confidence here, and the prospect of seeing Evangeline Lilly suit up as The Wasp as she takes equal billing is something every comic book fan should be counting down the seconds to. Throw in the mystery surrounding the fate of Janet Van Dyne and this is definitely one of Marvel's most intriguing and exciting Phase 3 releases. 


2. Avengers: Infinity War (May 4th, 2018/May 3rd, 2019)

loading


Avengers: Infinity War is everything Marvel has been building toward since that after-credits scene first revealed Thanos way back in 2012.

If rumours are to be believed, this is the movie which will bring together The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy franchises while also throwing the likes of Spider-Man and The Defenders into the mix in order to make this the biggest and most epic team-up of all-time as Earth's Mightiest Heroes untie against The Mad Titan.

However, we all have such high expectations for this one that it's quite possible it won't be able to live up to those, and that means we need to find out much more about this two-parter before it can be moved up into the #1 spot...


1. Captain America: Civil War (May 6th, 2016)

loading


While you might think it's a little unfair to have a movie we've seen so much of at #1, Captain America: Civil War has been my most highly anticipated Phase 3 release since it was first announced, and everything Marvel has shown off proves that putting faith in this one wasn't a mistake. The movie looked and sounded like one of Marvel's best before Spider-Man was thrown into the mix, though his presence is definitely a bonus.

However, it's seeing Captain America and Iron Man going to war with each other which is the biggest draw here, while the massive ramifications the ending is expected to have should make this one tough to watch as the tension builds throughout. I can't wait. 


Which of these upcoming Marvel Studios movies are you most excited about? Do you agree with this ranking of them? As per usual, head to the comments section to let us know your thoughts. 

THE AVENGERS: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, And More Assemble In Fun New Video
Related:

THE AVENGERS: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, And More Assemble In Fun New Video

Samuel L. Jackson Reflects On His Original Nine-Picture Deal; Still Hopes To Take Nick Fury To Wakanda
Recommended For You:

Samuel L. Jackson Reflects On His Original Nine-Picture Deal; Still Hopes To Take Nick Fury To Wakanda

DISCLAIMER: As a user generated site and platform, ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and "Safe Harbor" provisions.

This post was submitted by a user who has agreed to our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. ComicBookMovie.com will disable users who knowingly commit plagiarism, piracy, trademark or copyright infringement. Please CONTACT US for expeditious removal of copyrighted/trademarked content. CLICK HERE to learn more about our copyright and trademark policies.

Note that ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
MonsterSquad35
MonsterSquad35 - 4/7/2016, 10:46 AM
say "Next" one more time
KikinGonzalez
KikinGonzalez - 4/7/2016, 10:47 AM
Next button?

ICStoopedPeople
ICStoopedPeople - 4/7/2016, 11:27 AM
@KikinGonzalez - Huh. You know what that gif is from?
KikinGonzalez
KikinGonzalez - 4/7/2016, 11:47 AM
@ICStoopedPeople - Nope. Do not know where that is from. I just found it and thought it was appropriate for the "Next" situation
TexasAvenger
TexasAvenger - 4/7/2016, 10:48 AM
Captain Marvel more anticipated than Black Panther? I disagree.
AquamanIsTheBest
AquamanIsTheBest - 4/7/2016, 11:00 AM
@TexasAvenger - I don't. Captain Marvel has a whole universe to explore, and she's perfect to lad the next wave of Avengers movies.
Claymore
Claymore - 4/7/2016, 11:01 AM
@TexasAvenger - Me to
TexasAvenger
TexasAvenger - 4/7/2016, 11:05 AM
@AquamanIsTheBest - Agreed about that, and I can't wait for her debut. I just love T'Challa and am so excited to see him kick all kinds of ass.
The72nd
The72nd - 4/7/2016, 12:04 PM
@AquamanIsTheBest - yeah but black panther has Ryan coogler
Null
Null - 4/7/2016, 2:43 PM
@TexasAvenger - Yeah, right now CM has no buzz. Everyone is talking about BP.
thejrmack
thejrmack - 4/7/2016, 4:10 PM
@AquamanIsTheBest - who cares about Capn marvel?!!! Not even a block buster character. Another snore.
JPSpideyFan2015
JPSpideyFan2015 - 4/7/2016, 10:06 PM
@TexasAvenger - Captain Marvel will arrives like wild card, if the leading lady was good in the role, the could make Civil War part 2 in the future.
Gwarlock
Gwarlock - 4/8/2016, 4:33 AM
@AquamanIsTheBest - It would be cool if she bumped into some, if not all, of the Guardians of the Galaxy for just a brief moment in her movie.
LadySifsLover
LadySifsLover - 4/25/2016, 12:43 PM
@thejrmack - Captain Marvel has way cooler powers and that movie could take the audience to places Black Panther could never go: space. Other than how pretty Wakanda could look, BP movie doesn't interest me all that much.
LadySifsLover
LadySifsLover - 4/25/2016, 12:45 PM
@Null - Captain Marvel has plenty of buzz for a character not showing up for another 3 years. Contrast this with Black Panther who some people have already seen in a movie.
LadySifsLover
LadySifsLover - 4/25/2016, 12:55 PM
@thejrmack - Quite a few people do. It's the story of a badass pilot who gets abducted by aliens and then gets powered up by them. That right there just sounds more interesting than most of the phase 3 films.
thejrmack
thejrmack - 4/25/2016, 6:06 PM
@LadySifsLover - fantastic four
LadySifsLover
LadySifsLover - 4/27/2016, 4:05 AM
@Gwarlock - Nah, that would be like all the Avengers showing up in Ant-Man instead of just Falcon who is a minor superhero and not nearly as popular as the other heroes. Having a bunch of popular characters showing up in a CM origin film would detract from the story and take the focus off of the main protagonist.
dragonator29
dragonator29 - 4/7/2016, 10:49 AM
AoS kind of buchered Inhumans? How? Also it was confirmed that the movie was in works.
Claymore
Claymore - 4/7/2016, 11:01 AM
@dragonator29 - I don't think they butchered them at all
Zer0squad
Zer0squad - 4/7/2016, 11:24 AM
@dragonator29 - Yeah, Josh is full of shit on this one.
Superheromoviefan
Superheromoviefan - 4/7/2016, 10:50 AM
THIS ARTICLE IS A TRAP!
SuperCat
SuperCat - 4/7/2016, 10:51 AM
Yay! The "next" button!

Karmatron
Karmatron - 4/7/2016, 10:54 AM
^^^^Source material used by Snyder and Eisenberg to play Luthor.

We cannot say they are not source driven!
xinstituto
xinstituto - 4/7/2016, 12:46 PM
@SuperCat - Is that Eisenberg's Luthor father????
BatmanHush23
BatmanHush23 - 4/7/2016, 10:52 AM
wow sweet!
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
View Recorder