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...
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.