Marvel Studios Phase 4 Revealed at San Diego Comic-Con
We Have Marvel Studios Phase 4!
July 20th, 2019 in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige officially announced the lineup of Marvel Phase 4 – both feature films and TV series created exclusively for Disney+ (Disney’s new streaming service debuting 11/12/19). First, let’s dive into the feature film news and date reveals. Then we’ll get into 5 all-new Disney+ series. Marvel released a fantastic infographic timeline as well:
The Hall H presentation was moderated by Jessica Chobot, the host of Nerdist News. Fans started lining up for the July 20th Hall H 5:15pm presentation at 5:00 AM on July 19th! Marvel Studios’ excellent track record for story, diversity and overall entertainment has created many fans, including this writer.
Marvel Studios Phase 4 Films
BLACK WIDOW – May 1, 2020
Feige officially announced the feature film “Black Widow,” which is slated for a May 1, 2020 release in U.S. theaters, making it the first film of Phase Four to hit the big screen.
Feige surprised the audience with the first footage from “Black Widow,” which is currently in production. The film is directed by Cate Shortland who was on hand to greet the Hall H audience along with Scarlett Johansson, reprising her role of Natasha Romanoff. Every new Marvel film introduces newcomers to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and David Harbour (STRANGER THINGS) was exceptionally pleased to be playing Alexei aka The Red Guardian. We also have Florence Pugh as Yelena, O-T Fagbenle as Mason and Rachel Weisz as Melina.
(L-R) President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige, Scarlett Johansson, David Harbour, Florence Pugh, O-T Fagbenle, Director Cate Shortland and Rachel Weisz (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney) 
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: Scarlett Johansson of Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Widow’ at the San Diego Comic-Con International 2019 Marvel Studios Panel in Hall H on July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
THE ETERNALS – November 6, 2020
Feige kicked off with an overview of the feature film “The Eternals,” an exciting new team of Super Heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Feige introduced the director, Chloé Zhao, followed by stars from the film, including, Richard Madden as Ikaris, Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo, Lauren Ridloff as Makkari, Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos, Salma Hayek as Ajak, Lia McHugh as Sprite, Don Lee as Gilgamesh and Angelina Jolie as Thena.
“The Eternals” will make their Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in theaters on November 6, 2020.
SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS – February 12, 2021
Feige spoke about the feature film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and detailed how the legend has been hinted at in the MCU films since the first “Iron Man.”
In an unanticipated surprise for all, Kevin Feige then announced the confirmed casting of Simu Liu in the title role of SHANG-CHI and both the actor and the director, Destin Daniel Cretton, came on stage to greet the audience. Simu Liu was officially cast only 4 days ago – on Tuesday, July 16th! Kevin also shared with the audience the casting of Awkwafina in a yet-to-be-disclosed role. Then, Kevin revealed to the Hall H audience that the real Mandarin will be played by celebrated Chinese actor Tony Leung.
“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” will be in theaters on February 12, 2021.
Kevin Feige, Director Destin Daniel Cretton and Simu Liu of Marvel Studios’ ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney) 
Kevin Feige and director Destin Daniel Cretton of Marvel Studios’ ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS – May 7, 2021
Feige introduced the second film in the “Doctor Strange” franchise, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” and called the director, Scott Derrickson, and star Benedict Cumberbatch to the stage to a rousing welcome.
In a surprise twist, Feige brought out Elizabeth Olsen, who also stars in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” and they talked about how “WandaVision”—the Disney+ series that Olsen will star in as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch—connects directly to the feature-film storyline. We should expect nothing less of the MCU by now.
“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” hits theaters on May 7, 2021.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: Benedict Cumberbatch of Marvel Studios’ ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ at the San Diego Comic-Con International 2019 Marvel Studios Panel in Hall H on July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER – November 5, 2021
Feige talked about the next Thor film, “Thor: Love and Thunder,” which will be the fourth feature film in the “Thor” franchise. But Thor has stepped down as Thor, and given up his hammer. Who will take his place?
NATALIE PORTMAN!!! It was revealed that Jane Foster, played by Natalie Portman, will become the Mighty Thor, the goddess of Thunder. From Queen of Naboo to Thor, I can’t WAIT to see Natalie Portman wield mighty Mjolnir.
Director Taika Waititi, Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson and Natalie Portman all came on stage for the presentation, eliciting a wild response from the Hall H audience who are looking forward to the film’s November 5, 2021 debut in theaters.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: (L-R) President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige, Director Taika Waititi, Natalie Portman, Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson of Marvel Studios’ ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ at the San Diego Comic-Con International 2019 Marvel Studios Panel in Hall H on July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
BLADE – after 2021
Following the entire presentation, Feige had another big surprise up his sleeve for the enthusiastic Hall H crowd. He was joined on stage by actor Mahershala Ali and they announced the new Marvel Studios feature film “Blade” that Ali will star in.
Marvel Studios Phase 4 Disney+ Series
THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER – Disney+ Fall 2020
Feige brought news on the Disney+ original series “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” which pairs up two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most popular heroes—Sam Wilson aka The Falcon and Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier—in a series of action-filled adventures as they fight together against evil after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.”
Anthony Mackie (The Falcon) and Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier) came on stage to greet the fans, and it was revealed that Daniel Brühl will return as the villain, Baron Zemo. And he will be wearing his famed helmet from the comics!
“The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” is set to debut on Disney+ in the fall of 2020.
WANDAVISION – Disney+ Spring 2021
Next, Feige offered the latest on “WandaVision,” a Disney+ original series where Paul Bettany reprises the role of Vision and Elizabeth Olsen returns to her role of Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch.
Bettany and Olsen were joined on stage by MCU newcomer Teyonah Parris, and Feige announced that Parris will be playing the grown-up version of Monica Rambeau, who was introduced to audiences in “Captain Marvel.”
“WandaVision” premieres on Disney+ in the spring of 2021.
LOKI – Disney+ Spring 2021
Feige offered news on “Loki,” a Marvel Studios original series streaming on Disney+ in the spring of 2021. Tom Hiddleston—back in his role of the mercurial Loki, the god of mischief and everyone’s favorite villain—received a huge welcome from fans when Feige brought him out on stage.
Then to the delight of the audience, Hiddleston answered the biggest question from “Avengers: Endgame”: “Where did Loki go when he took the Space Stone?”
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: Tom Hiddleston of Marvel Studios’ ‘Loki’ at the San Diego Comic-Con International 2019 Marvel Studios Panel in Hall H on July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
WHAT IF…? – Disney+ Summer 2021
Feige offered new information on “What If…?,” the first animated series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “What If…?” is being created exclusively for Disney+ and features stories that present alternate realities in the Marvel universe.
Feige mentioned that many actors from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe will reprise their roles as voice talent in the series. He then surprised the audience by bringing Jeffrey Wright to the stage and introducing him as the voice of the popular character The Watcher in the new series.
“What If…?” joins the Disney+ lineup in the summer of 2021.
HAWKEYE – Disney+ Fall 2021
Jeremy Renner came on stage and revealed the previously undisclosed title of the Hawkeye Disney+ original series. He joined Kevin Feige to give exciting news about “Hawkeye,” including details about Kate Bishop, a character well-known in Marvel comics, who will be an integral part of the series.
“Hawkeye” launches on Disney+ in the fall of 2021.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: Jeremy Renner of Marvel Studios’ ‘Hawkeye’ at the San Diego Comic-Con International 2019 Marvel Studios Panel in Hall H on July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
What are your thoughts? Which film or TV series are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments, or contact us on social media.
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