MCU: Ranking each Marvel Phase 4 movie by anticipation

Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will feature several incredible films, but which upcoming MCU film is the most anticipated?

Avengers: Endgame signaled the end of Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while Spider-Man: Far From Home put the icing on the cake with a preview of what’s next. Then came  San Diego Comic-Con 2019 where Disney dropped cosmic bombs that shook the foundation of the MCU.

There’s a lot to unpack from SDCC. As the time has officially come for the start of the MCU Phase Four. The excitement and expectations are higher than ever before.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand with the debut of The Eternals and Shang-Chi. James Gunn is sure to take fans on a wild ride as he returns to helm Guardians of the Galaxy 3. Who knows what Captain Marvel’s sequel holds or who’ll be the big bad in Black Panther 2.

However, nothing’s more important than the aftermath from Disney/Fox merger. The floodgate of possibilities are open and the MCU will exploit them. Since the dawn of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe fans have wondered what it’d be like if the X-Men, Blade, and Fantastic Four were part of it. Who can forget the introduction of Mahershala Ali as Blade?

It’s time to touch on what we know about the films and why we can’t wait to see what Marvel has in store. Without further ado, here’s every movie ranked from least to most anticipated of Phase 4 of the MCU.

11. Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings

Release Date: February 12, 2021

Shang-Chi doesn’t have the same name recognition as other potential Phase Four heroes. Novice fans probably aren’t too familiar with him. However, hardcore Marvel fans can tell you he’s someone to get excited about. Simu Liu will star as arguably Marvel’s greatest fighter taking on Tony Leung as Ironman’s arc nemesis, Mandarin.

The film is based on the 10 rings crafted by Mandarin from the technology of the Makluan species whose ship crash-landed in China’s Valley of Spirits.  Each ring represents something different with a unique ability:

• Black Light: Creates absolute darkness by absorbing light.
• Disintegration Beam: Energy emission that’s capable of destroying molecular bonds.
• Electro-Blast: Emanates electricity.
• Flame Blast: Projects flames and facilities combustion.
• Ice Blast: Ability to entrap opponents in ice blocks projects waves of cold.
• Impact Beam: Generates concussive force and waves of energy capable of movie objects.
• Matter Rearranger: Rearranges or changes molecules including solids and gas.
• Mento-Intensifier: Mind control.
• Vortex Beam: Air moves at a high rate of speed which creates flight and controls objects.
• White Light: Controls electromagnetic energy.

With Tony no longer part of the MCU, fans can get excited for Shang-Chi to take on the real Mandarin.  This could end up as a duo origin for two characters with a lot of potential. Shang-Chi could end up as a household name come Feb. 12, 2021.

10. Thor Love and Thunder

Release Date: November 5, 2021

There was a time when Thor was the forgotten one. Dark World wasn’t horrible, but it didn’t excite fans. Things looked bleak for the God of Thunder, that was until Taika Waititi came along. The Thor: Ragnarök director rejuvenated Thor in a film that rivaled Ant-Man as the most comedic in MCU.

In one movie, he fixed the Hulk and Thor in what felt an action-packed buddy comedy. Waititi is back to direct Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie) and the returning Natalie Portman as Jane Foster.

At San Diego Comic-Con 2019, Waititi wowed fans by presenting Portman with Mjolnir essentially signaling her character’s epic transformation. In the comics, Jane became ill with terminal cancer and Thor was no longer worthy. Jane, of course, would be deemed worthy and wielded the hammer becoming Mighty Thor.

Moreover, in Endgame, Thor passed on the guardianship of New Asgard to Valkyrie. With the depowering of Thor and subsequent empowering of two female Marvel heroes, we’re expecting great things from Thor: Love and Thunder which could end up as a female-centric film. Production begins in Australia 2020 and thundering into theaters  November 5, 2021.

9. Captain Marvel 2

Release Date: Unknown

Fans clamored for a female-led Marvel film and they got one with the help of directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. Captain Marvel became the most polarizing film in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. Naturally, Carol Danver’s Phase Three introduction had fans anxiously eager to see Brie Larson as one of Marvel’s strongest heroes.

Unfortunately, the fandom surrounding a Captain Marvel sequel doesn’t have the same hype. Still, there’s a lot left to explore for Brie Larson as Captain Marvel. Her intergalactic adventures could see the MCU continue their space journey beyond Guardians of the Galaxy. With the 5-year time jump in Avengers: Endgame, there are several stories the MCU could explore.

As a matter of fact, the casting of Teyonah Parris in WandaVision provides hope of a team-up film. Another possibility is the inclusion of Ms. Marvel. According to Digital Spy, that is something Brie Larson wants.

"“My dream would be that Ms. Marvel gets to come into play in the sequel – that’s the goal,” Larson noted."

Introducing Ms. Marvel would excite fans no doubt. We know Ms. Marvel will get introduced at some point; why not in Captain Marvel‘s sequel? Had the news been official, Captain Marvel would have cracked the top five. Nevertheless, we can’t wait to get more details as the MCU looks to improve on their first film.

8. The Eternals

Release Date: November 6, 2020

Movies like Thor, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Captain Marvel expanded the world of Marvel with gods and aliens. So too will The Eternals as the MCU takes a major leap with a movie that expands their universe beyond what they’ve established.

Director Chloe Zhao’s journey into Marvel’s mythology made a splash with a large roster that features an all-star cast: Angelina Jolie, Selma Hayek, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Gemma Chan and Barry Keoghan.

Jolie is rumored to play Athena, while Hayek tackles the role of Ajak according to THR. The complex romance between Thena and Kro of the Deviants will surly help drive the story. Of course, Ajak will serve as the group’s leader as the only member who could communicate with their creators.

However, neither of those characters are the lead for the film. In fact, the leaked casting breakdown revealed that the scripts revolved around Sersi. With Captain Marvel actress Gemma Chan on the roster, there’s a chance that she’ll take on the lead role.

We’re still awaiting more casting news and information that should see The Eternals take on The Deviants. The cast of great actors in taking on unfamiliar characters makes The Eternals compelling and highly anticipated we’ll see what it’s all about Nov. 6, 2020.

7. Guardians of the Guardians 3

Release Date: Unknown

For a while, it didn’t look as if Guardians of the Galaxy 3 would happen especially after the firing of James Gunn in 2018. The cast didn’t support Disney’s decision, but no one was more vocal than Dave Bautista (Drax)— who threatened to quit.

Matters were made worse when James Gunn signed on to direct the DCEU’s new Suicide Squad film. On top of that, Gamora’s death in Infinity War singled the end of the team as we know it.  However, that’s all water under the bridge. After meeting with Disney’s head, Alan Horn, Gunn was brought back.

Likewise, Drax didn’t taste defeat in Endgame, so it’s safe to say he’s a go. There’s even Gamora, albeit from another timeline. Although Thor hasn’t been confirmed, one can hope he’d make an appearance after the events of Endgame.

Unfortunately, the details surrounding Guardians of the Galaxy 3 are scarce. However, back in 2017 Gunn gushed over the possibility of working with Elizabeth Debicki (Ayesha).

"“I absolutely plan on bringing Elizabeth Debicki back… [Debicki is] actually one of my favorite actors I’ve ever worked with,” Gunn noted at the time."

Ayesha’s return is directly associated with Adam Warlock who Gunn wanted as the villain. The idea of Adam Warlock is intriguing considering his history. Having Adam Warlock debut as a morally grey anti-hero after missing the action in Endgame makes Guardians of the Galaxy 3 more exciting.

With Gunn back at the helm and production set for 2020 Guardians of the Galaxy 3 could hit theaters 2021 — if we’re lucky.

6. Black Widow

Release Date: May 1, 2020

Avengers: Endgame was the farewell for Black Widow in that timeline, but she’ll be back in the MCU’s first prequel. Before Captain Marvel, fans expected Black Widow to have a feature film. A decade after appearing in Iron Man 2 as Natasha Romanoff on May 1, 2020 we’ll finally see Scarlett Johansson in a solo film.

Director Cate Shortland’s film takes us deep inside the Black Widow program. In fact, according to Collider, Rachel Weisz revealed that her character went through the program several times. There isn’t any word on exactly what role her character plays in the film.

One thing we know for sure is, Natasha isn’t the only hero. Stranger Things and Hellboy actor, David Harbour is playing Marvel hero Red Guardian.  Also known as Alexei Shostakov, the former husband of Natasha who faked his death before returning as the Russian hero.

The duo will likely take on the film’s villain Taskmaster, whose actor hasn’t been revealed.  Also joining the cast is Florence Pugh, who plays an adversary and trainee in the assassin program, Yelena Belova. With the demise of Black Widow in Endgame, it’s possible that she could become the heir apparent to the Black Widow mantle.

After all, this could end up being the final time we see Johansson as Black Widow. With the casting news and expectations of taking the MCU into a new direction; one can only expect her to go out with a bang.

5. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Release Date: May 7, 2021

Doctor Strange was one of the greatest, most under-appreciated MCU origin films. This list appreciates Sorcerer Supreme, Stephen Strange who kicks off the top five. Benedict Cumberbatch returns as Doctor Strange, stronger than ever. In fact, he’s one of the top three strongest characters in the MCU.

There’s a lot to unpack in the world of Doctor Strange. With the Time Stone gone, Dormammu lurks in the darkness plotting his next move. Who can forget the unfinished business Baron Mordo has with Strange? However, neither are the villains in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Director Scott Derrickson plans to take the film into a different direction; with the very first villain Strange faced in the comics.  At SDCC it was revealed that Multiverse of Madness would be the first horror movie of the MCU. So, the title of big bad goes to the ruler of the Dream Dimension, Nightmare.

We may never get to see Freddy Kruger take on any Marvel characters, but Nightmare will come close enough. After discovering his true power, Nightmare escaped the life of a peasant and servant to Shuma-Gonath into the Splinter Dimension where he now rules. Nightmare’s survival depends on the fear he creates with his ability to jump into the minds of mortals.

If done correctly Derrickson can basically merge the dimensional aspects of Hellraiser meets Freddy Kruger. Putting Doctor Strange in the middle of it all makes for a movie that feels like horror fantasy.  Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will scare the heck out of us May 7, 2021.

4. Blade

Release Date: Unknown

Before Deadpool, Blade was the first rated-R hero of Marvel. Since the dawn of Blade (1998), you couldn’t think of the Vampire Hunter without thinking of Wesley Snipes. Marvel got the rights to Blade back from Warner Bros  in 2012. With a new Blade comes a new story, one unique to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So, the thought of Blade coming to the MCU had Snipes name attached to it — until it didn’t.

At SDCC 2019, the MCU put a stake in the heart of Snipes’ supporters with the announcement of Mahershala Ali as Blade. Of course, the possibilities are endless; though there are a few things we need to see.

There won’t be any drop-off from an acting perspective as Ali stakes his claim as Blade. Fans can’t wait to see is what the MCU does differently. Will Blade stay rated-R? Could we see Blade as a lower budget MCU film? Can Marvel make a Spider-Man/Blade crossover happen?

No matter what happens, all eyes will be on Ali who has some huge fangs to fill. Which is why Blade cracks this top five as the most anticipated film in Phase Four.

3. Black Panther 2

Release Date: Unknown

One of the most anticipated films in Phase 4 of the MCU is Black Panther 2. The first film was more than a spectacle. It was a cultural phenomenon that impacted millions, invoking emotional responses including one Denzel Washington who admitted he shed a tear.

The expectations are lofty as Ryan Coogler looks to take the franchise to the next level. Coogler and company have taken a covert approach with details surrounding the film. As a matter of fact, Danai Gurira said Coogler asked his cast not to say anything about the upcoming film.

"“I literally have no information… Mr. Coogler says, ‘Tell them we’re working hard, and you’re in it…’That’s all I got for you,” Gurira revealed."

The cast may not have information, but it hasn’t stopped the rumors. When the announcement of Black Panther 2 made its rounds,  so too did the rumor of Killmonger returning from the dead. However, recent reports suggest the debut of another Marvel Comics character. We Got This Covered reported the rumblings of Namor the Sub-Mariner coming to Wakanda to take over.

Of course, you’ll have to take the rumor for what is, but the idea is interesting considering the fan theory that fueled it.  Another rumor pointed to Kraven as a possible villain considering his ties to Africa after leaving his native home of Russia.

Close to nothing is known about Black Panther 2, not even a release date, though sometime early 2021 is a possibility. The coy nature that surrounds Black Panther 2 makes it one of the most highly anticipated films.

2. Fantastic Four

Release Date: Unknown

There’s no Marvel Comics franchise that needs the Disney touch more than Fantastic Four. Fans of the heroes are still trying to wipe their minds clear of the 2015 debacle, so is director Josh Trank, who proclaimed that he’d never direct a Marvel or DC movie again.

Before Trank, Fox had a pair of movies directed by Tim Story, Fantastic Four and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Both Story and Trank opted for Doctor Doom as the big bad. However, unlike Trank, Story’s movies were commercially successful. Unfortunately, the rumored third film didn’t happen.

Fans undoubtably jumped for joy once the announcement of a Fantastic Four movie hit the web. Marvel’s first family has a lot to offer including a reboot of Doctor Doom. While he’s been done twice, his role in the comics is too important to leave him out f the MCU.

Doom is wildly considered one of the strongest villains in Marvel Comics. He’s clashed with the Avengers and sometimes sided with the heroes when greater threats arrived. Nevertheless, what fans need is a restart and there aren’t plenty of arcs to borrow from. Taking the team into space for an intergalactic adventure leading to a final battle with Galactus.

Fixing the Fantastic Four is something fans want, and Disney can provide. In fact, thanks to fans and BossLogic, Disney doesn’t have to break a sweat with casting Mister Fantastic or Invisible Woman.

We have some time before Fantastic Four hits theaters. Still, no matter how fans love the first family of Marvel; there’s one franchise we’re anxiously anticipate more than anything..

1. X-Men

Release Date: Unknown

Fans have long yearned for the X-Men to join the MCU. There was hope that Fox could rent out the rights like Sony did with Spider-Man — that didn’t happen. Of course, two members from the X-Men Comics belong to the MCU, Wanda and Pietro.

However, their origin story vastly differed from Marvel Comics. There was no connection to Magneto (their father) as their story made them experiments of HYDRA. Oh, and don’t confuse them with mutants, that phrase wasn’t uttered; for reasons that are no longer important.

Finally, the wait is over well, at least it will be soon enough. X-Men entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the most anticipated movie as possibly part of the Phase Four slate. With so many characters from Marvel Comics part of the MCU not having the X-Men felt incomplete.

Fox had a great run with their X-Men franchise. Raking up millions since the dawn of the X-Men in 2000. Now it’s time the X-Men take their place among the other Marvel characters. With the disappointing last two movies, Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix fans want a fresh start with an all new cast.

This is the chance for those X-Men who were misused and nonexistent to get their due. There were stories that deserved a proper telling, but never got that chance with Fox.  The possibilities are endless thanks to the growing slate of MCU series on Disney Plus

Hopefully, Kevin Feige and company has plans for the X-Men sooner rather than later. We have our fingers crossed; anticipating their intro in the latter part of Phase Four.

What upcoming Marvel movie are you most anticipating? Keep the conversation going in the comments section below!