The Marvel Cinematic Universe hasn’t been the same since the Infinity Saga ended and it seems Kevin Feige might be gearing up to end the MCU as we know it.
When it comes to successful franchises, none have been able to hold a candle to what Marvel Studios has achieved in building its interconnected shared universe. What started in 2008 with the release of two blockbuster hits has since spawned a cinematic universe that now consists of over 30 movies (plus another handful of shows) which have pulled in billions at the worldwide box office.
One of the things that set the franchise apart from any other franchise early in its run was the way in which the many projects from Marvel Studios connected and built towards a larger story. Or at least, they did across what has now become known as the Infinity Saga: a series of movies released in several phases that built toward the Avengers’ battle with Thanos.
Across those early chapters of the MCU, it was crystal clear what each movie was building toward. The early films paved the way for the Avengers to assemble. From there, the universe began to expand as Thanos emerged, at first as nothing more than a threat lurking in the shadows. Eventually, Thanos stepped into the spotlight leading to one of the biggest battles the MCU had ever seen.
After Thanos was defeated, though, things began to get murky. There’s no longer a clear picture of what each movie and show is building toward or how — if at all — they’re connected. Simply put, the MCU lost its direction after the Infinity Saga concluded leaving many feeling that a reboot might be best for the franchise’s longevity.
This is a sentiment that has divided fans, but it seems fans aren’t the only ones who think it’s time for the MCU as we know it to come to an end.
Is Kevin Feige planning on rebooting the MCU?
In typical Marvel fashion, Kevin Feige and the Marvel brass are keeping quiet about the upcoming plans for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, insiders are reporting that Feige and Marvel Studios’ game plan is to bring a formal close to the MCU as we know it with the upcoming sixth Avengers movie, Avengers: Secret Wars.
According to several insiders including frequent Marvel scooper Can We Get Some Toast, Feige is looking to use the upcoming Avengers movies to bring the MCU as we know it to a close in what should be an epic conclusion.
The running rumor is that Feige is planning on approaching Avengers: Secret Wars as a send-off to the MCU as well as all of the Marvel movies that came before Iron Man. As Can We Get Some Toast alleges, the plan is to pull off the “ultimate soft reboot” as Marvel gears up for new and different.
Interestingly, Avengers: Secret Wars is currently the last Marvel Studios movie with a confirmed release date which could suggest the rumors are true in that Marvel might be looking to do a soft reboot.
Using the movie to bring an end to the MCU as we know it would allow Marvel to close out what has been an amazing chapter and honor the legacy of the MCU fans have come to know while positioning Marvel Studios to begin a new chapter with a fresh slate. This isn’t to say certain characters might not stick around, but a reset could help with some of the continuity issues the franchise now faces while keeping Marvel at the forefront for years to come.