The Marvel Cinematic Universe's timeline has always been a hot topic of debate among fans, and figuring out how all these stories overlap and connect is often easier said than done.
Marvel Studios has clarified how certain movies line up, but the closest we have to an official timeline is the order they're uploaded to Disney+ in! With the MCU's expansion to television in Phase 4, it's become harder than ever to figure out what goes where, but that looks set to change with the release of a new book.
Listed on Penguin Random House's website, Marvel Studios' The Marvel Cinematic Universe: An Official Timeline is written by Anthony Breznican, Amy Ratcliffe, and Rebecca Theodore-Vachon.
According to the official description, it will help fans "become a master" of this shared world.
"The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is vast, incredibly varied, and richly complex," it continues. "Different worlds, different timelines, countless characters. This is the guide to that universe. Created in close collaboration with Marvel Studios, it will answer the biggest questions: what happened, when, where, and why."
"Follow the entire story of the MCU from before the Big Bang to the Blip and beyond. Along the way, learn more about the evolution of the Iron Man armors, the hunt for the Infinity Stones, and the formation of the Multiverse. Want to know how many times aliens have invaded Earth, or the complete history of Cap's shield? Look no further!"
"A treasured keepsake for any movie buff, filled with exclusive infographics, illuminating timelines, and amazing movie stills, this book will have pride of place on any MCU fan’s shelf."
It's always hard to say whether a book like this will be essential reading, especially as fans pride themselves on knowing every detail possible about a franchise like this. However, an official timeline will be welcomed, and we're sure there will be lots of insights here we haven't seen before, especially as it's approved by Marvel Studios!
We don't have a cover yet, but Marvel Studios' The Marvel Cinematic Universe: An Official Timeline is currently scheduled for a September 5, 2023 release and is priced at $50.