Looking at the last year of Marvel Studios project by project to see how they've been changing and growing to keep things fresh and interesting. Spoilers for every MCU project this year, ESPECIALLY NO WAY HOME
After 11 years of buildup consisting of 23 movies, Marvel Studios officially concluded their first three phases collectively known as "The Infinity Saga". It was maybe the biggest cinematic achievement ever connecting 23 movies into one coherent story culminating with Infinity War and Endgame. It was an even bigger achievement that it all worked and came together in an emotional conclusion. In that time, Marvel Studios went from an underdog fighting to keep the lights on to the most successful franchise of all time, making over 7 billion dollars. After the Infinity Saga had wrapped up, everyone was left wondering what would be next for the MCU and if they would ever be able to top themselves after that. Some people were feeling burned out from it all, while others were counting down the days till the next project. Marvel would make their phase 4 announcements at San Diego Comic-Con of 2019, showing a very ambitious plan for the next few years. These new projects promised to change the MCU and give us fresh new takes on the movies. It was an exciting time to be a Marvel fan as things were only going to escalate from there.
Unfortunately, months before the scheduled release of Black Widow, the pandemic hit and changed the film industry forever. Marvel was severely affected, as they had to push back all of their movies several times until it was radio silence for an entire year, for the first time since 2008. For months, they weren't even able to be on set filming due to this terrifying pandemic. While this pandemic was a horrible experience overall, it also was beneficial to Marvel. During that year of no releases, people were able to take a moment to breathe after all that had happened. They weren't immediately jumping into the next phase, and absence made the heart grow fonder. As things got better, Marvel was able to get back to work and get projects in motion again. Before we knew it, we had concrete release dates for new projects. Things were starting to get exciting again as we were getting trailers. Marvel was promising this exciting new phase and they had a lot to prove. They needed to prove that they could still make these incredible blockbusters while also reinventing their formula and doing new things. They also had a lot to prove with these newly announced TV shows and show that they knew what they were doing.
Perhaps this was the most important year in Marvel Studios' history. They had a big challenge in keeping casual viewers' attention after The Infinity Saga, but they promised that the universe was expanding and things would only be getting bigger and better from here. Old characters would be given a bigger spotlight as they became the faces of the universe, while new characters would be introduced in ways that drastically shifted how we look at this universe. They intended to ride that wave of momentum into the future and make something that was truly special. I wanted to look back at all nine of Marvel's projects this year, and see how each one made this Marvel's best year yet.
WandaVision kicked off the year and was maybe Marvel's most ambitious project to date. Not only were we finally getting to spend some more time with two of the most complex Marvel characters, but they were doing it in a way that was truly unique and original. WandaVision was a show that focused on grief and they did that in the best way possible. We were able to learn more about how unstable Wanda's mental health was after going through so much trauma. The show was also incredibly emotional as it dove into the relationship between Wanda and Vision, turning them into the universe's most popular and tragic couple. It opened up the world of magic in new ways and finally introduced us to The Scarlet Witch in the best way possible. The presentation of this show was done perfectly, having it be a mystery for not only the characters in it but also the audience was really smart. Week after week, we were left guessing as to what comes next, trying to put together the puzzle and figure out what was happening. It enhanced the story and made it all the more interesting. Having each episode tackle a new decade of television for Wanda to live out in her fantasy life was a really fun concept that never got old, but managed to get better with each episode as the hex grew more unstable as time went on. WandaVision was an exciting show that delivered week after week and showed that Marvel knew what they were doing when making TV. There was a lot of pressure on WandaVision to deliver due to it being not only Marvel Studios' first TV show but their first project in a year and a half. This insane sitcom parody thriller was the first (and a very big) sign that Marvel was back and better than ever, reinventing the formulas to keep things interesting.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was the next to follow as we caught up with the most chaotic duo in the entire MCU. After all of the larger scale high stakes MCU projects as of late, Marvel brought things down to the street-level characters as we followed Sam and Bucky on their journey after coming back to life and on their own again. It was nice to see Marvel focusing on these grounded characters and giving us looks into their psyche and their backgrounds. Sam and Bucky have been through a lot, and there were really important stories to tell with them. The biggest change that this show brought was that Marvel was going to be telling important stories about real-world social and political issues. It was fascinating to see the story play out about Sam's struggle with becoming Captain America, worried about how the world would handle a black Captain America. That's only amplified after meeting the original black Captain American, Isaiah Bradley. Seeing him struggle with that burden, afraid of what the world will say to him is a very real fear for the character to have and it made for one of the most compelling and dramatic stories in the entire MCU. The conflict with seeing Sam who fits all of the qualifications of being Captain America, while John Walker is tarnishing Steve's legacy is so interesting and makes for one of the most unique stories in the entire MCU. That final moment when he became Captain America and told the government officials to their face that the Flag Smashers had some points is one of the most powerful scenes in the entire MCU. When it came to Bucky, they were telling a really interesting and fresh story about his PTSD and how he's lived 106 years and never got to truly be himself. He had a lot of making up to do for his days as the Winter Soldier, and this show explored his redemption as he tried to make amends and get his life back. Falcon and the Winter Soldier was a very important show for Marvel to make, as they touched on some very prevalent issues. It's a very emotional show that gives us a deeper look into Sam and Bucky's partnership while telling stories that needed to be told.
Loki promised to be one of the weirdest and most different MCU projects to date, and it delivered on all that and more. After his amazing character arc ending with his noble death, Marvel teased Loki would be back in a big way doing something entirely new. After his time-breaking escape in Endgame, the God of Mischief was entangled with the secretive Time Variance Authority which opened up a multiverse of possibilities. We got big changes as we were introduced to the bureaucratic organization that controlled the sacred timeline. Time travel and going across timelines was now an easy thing to do and brought with it many new stories. Loki was forced to work with them to not only save his skin but hunt down the variant of himself terrorizing the timeline. There were so many new and exciting concepts introduced in this show, and it made it so exciting to watch because you never knew what was going to happen. There was also the central mystery of who was at the top running the whole charade, and it kept us guessing to figure out the secrets that the TVA was hiding. One of the most interesting things that this show explored was the theme of what makes a Loki a Loki, and if he could change. They did this in a really interesting and emotional way as they had Loki learn about what he would have become, and as he tried to break that cycle. He was able to do that in meeting Mobius, Sylvie, and all the other Loki variants. This show completely changed the game and brought with it not only a new concept but drastic consequences for the MCU as a whole. The introduction of He Who Remains as a variant of Kang the Conqueror was a seismic shift to the entirety of the MCU. It was even more of a big change when he was killed, and the multiverse was opened at an uncontrollable and dangerous rate. Loki was a show that proved Marvel can keep doing weirder, crazier, and incredibly entertaining shows that keep things fresh and interesting.
Black Widow was a welcomed return to theaters, bringing the Marvel blockbuster back to the big screen (and on Disney+ Premier). After a year and a half without a Marvel movie, anticipation grew as Natasha Romanoff was finally getting her own movie after 11 years which was long overdue. After the cinematic event of a lifetime in Endgame and the epilogue of the Infinity Saga found in Far From Home, fans were wondering how Marvel would be able to top themselves. Black Widow needed to prove that Marvel still had a case to be making these movies, and it did just that. It wasn't something game-changing with world-ending stakes, but a smaller movie focusing on Natasha as a character. It was refreshing to see another female lead Marvel film, and it finally gave us some closure on Natasha's character after her death in Endgame. We were able to see her wipe out the last of the red from her ledger and make amends with those she once lost. It was an important story to tell for her character, and it was better to come late than never. One of the biggest things this movie did was not only give a satisfying sendoff for Natasha's character, but it pushed the world forward at the same time without feeling forced. We got to meet Yelena who this movie served as almost an origin story for on the side, and she would go on to be a very important character later on in the year. While Black Widow isn't the biggest movie with the most changes, it's nice to go back to a small-scale personal story that builds on the universe and sets up the future of the character.
What If...? was Marvel's exciting first step into the world of animation, giving us fresh, new, and exciting stories told in an entirely different way. Now that the multiverse was officially being played around with, Marvel wanted to bring one of their most popular comic series to Disney+ to ponder the question "what if...", and to see how the MCU would be affected by one small change. This was arguably Marvel's biggest risk and change this year, as they packed so much into one show all while making it their first animated property. Marvel Studios had never tried their hand at animation before, so it was a surprise when they had announced this show. It looks like they knew exactly what they were doing though, as they were able to bring this show to life with a beautifully unique animation style. It also helped that they were able to bring back over 50 of the MCU's actors to voice their characters in the show, making it feel like it truly is part of the MCU. What If was able to tell stories that you could never tell in the mainline films and TV shows. Since each episode focused on a different universe, important characters could die at any moment, established characters could turn on each other, and entire universes could be destroyed in the blink of an eye. They were working not only without the restrictions of needing characters to stay around, but they could make things look however they wanted in animation. The series was successful because they were able to tell these new and exciting stories in ways that couldn't be done otherwise. New characters were introduced and built up, while older characters were given new stories or second chances (cough Ultron getting a proper AGE of Ultron cough). What If was a very big change for Marvel, but one that paid off in a series that was truly unique and exciting and showed that they could make beautiful animation.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings introduced us not only to a brand new character but a whole new world inside the MCU. Shang-Chi promised to be one of the most unique Marvel movies yet as it gave us our first project with a new character as the lead in phase 4. Centered around the titular Shang-Chi himself, he was used as a way to explore an entirely different corner of the MCU focused on ancient Chinese mythology and martial arts. We were introduced to a new dimension, Ta Lo, full of mythical creatures and breathtaking scenery. There was an increased focus on the fighting styles used by the characters, and the action in general. Shang-Chi has the most unique and interesting fighting scenes in the entire MCU. The action is incredibly inventive, full of fast-paced hand-to-hand combat that stands out from all the other movies in this universe. It immediately sets Shang-Chi apart from other characters because of how different his fighting style is, and that's all thanks to his heritage which is what this movie is all about. Shang-Chi's story has not been done before in the MCU and revolves around one family's relationship, more specifically of father and son. Shang-Chi and Wenwu's relationship is the core of this movie and gives us a dynamic we've never seen in the MCU before. It's a tragic relationship after Shang-Chi's mother dies and Wenwu falls back into his vengeful ways, addicted to the power that the 10 rings give him. Having that family's fallout be the focus of this film was a really smart move, and gave us one of the most interesting and unique stories in the entire MCU (that also finally did justice to the Mandarin, making him one of the best villains in the MCU). Shang-Chi himself is also a really fun character who is sure to be a fan favorite thanks to his reliability. That emotional story alongside the action gave us a Marvel movie that felt like a breath of fresh air.
Eternals is unlike any other movie they've made. Taking place over thousands of years, the origins of the MCU itself are explored. We get to learn more about the grand cosmic scale of the universe and how it's all created by the Celestials and protected by the Eternals. Despite its story about cosmic space gods, Eternals might manage to be the most human story of them all. It seems like a hard task to not only introduce 10+ characters in one movie but to also make them all interesting and Eternals does just that. We're able to learn about their individual perspectives and see how relatable they actually are. They might have these cosmic powers, but at the end of the day, they all just want to protect humanity at all costs. They've seen the good that can come from humanity and they are willing to give their lives and disobey the most powerful beings in the universe to protect us. The conflict they have within themselves deciding whether to follow orders and not intervene or to disobey and protect the people they care about. The story also heavily covers the tragic love story of Ikaris and Sersi, showing us how they immediately fell in love with each other only for their mission to get in the way. The relationship these Eternals have with each other is a bond and dynamic we haven't seen in the MCU before and made for a compelling and surprising story. There were so many moments in this that caught me off guard as major characters like Gilgamesh and Ajak died so early on while Ikaris, the main Eternal, ended up as the villain of the entire film. It was a really good use of subversion and made this movie stand out against all others. It also stood out visually thanks to Chloé Zhao's masterful directing. She gave us the most stunning MCU movie that sets itself apart from the rest. Something very important to mention from this movie is the abundance of representation featured in it. Not only are there characters from all different backgrounds and cultures, but they also have the deaf Makkari played by a deaf actress and the first-ever openly LGBTQ+ character in the MCU with Phastos. The style and story of Eternals come together to give us a Marvel movie that feels different from the rest in all of the best ways.
Hawkeye was a surprise hit this year that gave us a grounded small-scale story as we've never seen in the MCU before. It wasn't a story where the fate of the world hangs in the balance, it only centered around fixing the mistakes of Ronin's past. The stakes in the grand scheme of things could never be lower, but they meant the world to Clint and Kate, which made everything really important. It was smart to focus this show around Clint's struggle with his Ronin identity and making sure Kate got out of that conspiracy while solving that murder mystery at the same time. Hawkeye was a very character-driven show that not only expanded on already existing characters but introduced new ones that will be here for years to come. It was nice that they were finally able to dive into Clint as a character and focus on him and everything he's been through. This show genuinely turned him into one of the most interesting MCU characters, and it was long overdue that he got this spotlight. His partnership with Kate is an incredible dynamic that makes this show work so well. Those two characters bring out the best in each other, and Kate does a great job of helping Clint with his survivor's guilt and turning him into the role model she knows he can be. Maya Lopez was a great choice for the villain of this show. It was nice seeing another deaf and disabled character who brought with her a compelling story about vengeance and brought back the Kingpin in hopefully the first of many appearances. Clint and Yelena's story together was really interesting and a nice payoff from Black Widow. Since it was a Hawkeye-centric show, we also were able to get some of the best action in the entire MCU as they played around with bow-and-arrow combat which was really fun to watch since we had never seen it like that before. Plus, there was a dog who ate pizza and it was a story about getting home on time for Christmas, what else could you want? This grounded storytelling and inventive action gave us a Marvel project in ways we hadn't seen before and was a welcomed story full of new fan-favorite characters.
Spider-Man: No Way Home exceeded everyone's expectations as it ended the year with a bang, giving us one of the best Marvel movies ever. The anticipation couldn't have been higher for this movie as it promised to bring together 3 generations of Spider-Man universes into one movie. As the first film to utilize the Marvel multiverse it seemed like an almost impossible task, but Marvel managed to tie it all together in such a satisfying way. After 8 prior Spider-Man movies, it's impressive that Marvel was able to have a movie full of unique ideas telling a fresh story. Having Peter Parker's mistakes at the heart of this movie made this one of the most emotional in the entire MCU. While he was able to dodge the legal troubles thanks to MATT MURDOCK in an amazing cameo that will hopefully lead to more with him, he wasn't able to just simply sweep the identity crisis under the rug. When he tried to take the easy way out with Doctor Strange's magic it causes an even bigger multiversal problem that was solely his fault. 5 of the biggest and most dangerous Spider-Man villains from previous moves were stuck in the MCU, and they were all brought back in ways that honored their arcs and continued them in logical ways. It was also really interesting seeing Peter try to save all of the villains first rather than fighting them, it made for a really complex character arc. Of course, the biggest and most unique thing about this movie was that it was the reintroduction of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield's Spider-Men as we got the big 3 live-action Spider-Men on screen together at the same time. It was a surreal moment not only having those actors back as the character but seeing them all interact together. It was any fan's dreams come true and Marvel did it in a way that felt so natural and satisfied the story overall. The entire movie was a beautifully written love letter to the Spider-Man character, as MCU Peter Parker learned the unfortunate truth about what it means to be Spider-Man, making sacrifices to protect the ones you love. This movie not only acted as a satisfying conclusion to the MCU Spider-Man trilogy, but it also was a beautiful way of revisiting those characters from the past. The clean slate that the film ended on puts MCU Spider-Man in a position he's never been in before and just adds to the list of changes this movie brought with it. A multiversal masterpiece that brought with it big changes for the wall-crawler and promises a future for the character we haven't yet seen.
All nine of these projects helped to shape Phase 4 of Marvel in their own unique ways. There was truly something for everyone as each project had its own different feel to it, but contributed to the overall story that they are trying to tell. This newest phase looks to be the most ambitious one yet since instead of telling one overarching story, they're telling three - grounded, magic, and cosmic. Each project pushes forward progress on those stories and it gives us many concepts that we haven't seen before. The universe expanded with new characters and stories that hadn't been done by the MCU before. They were able to tell these stories in different mediums, whether that be in film, TV, or even animation. It was an experimental year for the studio, but it paid off as they were able to prove that they still had it and could keep things fresh and interesting.
Looking at the next year, things are only going to grow bigger in scale as even more new characters will be introduced alongside revisiting established characters. It looks to be another transformative year that brings with it even more exciting new stories that we haven't seen before. Shows like Moon Knight will give us grounded MCU while focusing on mental illness and a character-driven story, while Doctor Strange takes a trip through the multiverse in what looks to be not only Marvel's first venture into horror but the continuation of Marvel's multiverse story. There will once again be something for everyone with projects that tackle all sorts of subject matter that we've never seen before. This might have been the most important year in Marvel Studios' history as they pushed the universe forward, and 2022 looks to be another big year for them. With 3 highly anticipated blockbusters, 3 shows debuting new characters, and a holiday special, the next year (pandemic willing) is shaping up to be yet another monumental year full of changes. It's an exciting time to be a Marvel fan, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
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