Last weekend, Marvel Studios showed up for San Diego Comic Con in a big way when its chief, Kevin Feige, revealed the upcoming jam-packed Phase 4 slate. As fans take turns gushing over everything from Natalie Portman’s MCU promotion as Mighty Thor to the Doctor Strange sequel’s journey into the horror genre, Chris Pratt is joining the conversation too. Check out the Guardians of the Galaxy's actor's thoughts:
Oh my God, I cannot wait to see Blade. That to me is going to be so sick. I’m a huge fan of the original [starring Wesley Snipes as the vampire vigilante]. Mahershala Ali as Blade, when I heard that I was like ‘Oh my God, I’ve got to see that.’All the Disney+ stuff sounds really cool. I want to see Anthony [Mackie] in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Scarlett’s movie [Black Widow] — I’m just excited for all of it.
Yes, Chris Pratt, join the hype train! There’s tons to get excited about here. Star-Lord started by getting stoked about the final reveal of the panel: Mahershala Ali’s Blade casting announcement. After fans were decidedly already overwhelmed by the Phase 4 slate, Marvel swiftly brought out the two-time Oscar winner to announce him as the Daywalker, too!
The actor also showed his love for his Avengers co-stars upcoming films as well. He’s excited to see how Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan do in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, following Falcon being given the mantle of Captain America. The Disney+ series will be the first Marvel series to be rolled out on the new streaming platform in Fall 2020 after Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha finally gets her solo film, Black Widow in May 2020.
However, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was notably missing from Phase 4. Kevin Feige did mentioned it was still coming at the panel, along with sequels for Captain Marvel and Black Panther. James Gunn is currently developing The Suicide Squad for Warner Bros’ DC Universe for a summer 2021 release date, but he has assured fans he’ll be heading back to his Marvel franchise shortly after. Blade and Guardians 3 will likely both be coming in Phase Five!
In Chris Pratt’s interview with Variety during the grand opening of Universal Studios new Jurassic World ride, he also commended Marvel Studios for its focus on diversity. In his words:
They’ve done an amazing job. Marvel has been really, I think, helping shape culture in a major way over the last 10 years and they’re going to continue to do so. And I’m just proud to be part of it.
At the Comic Con panel, the studio announced the introduction of Shang-Chi, the first Asian-fronted superhero film, starring Simu Liu from Netflix’s Kim’s Convenience, Crazy Rich Asians’ Awkwafina and In the Mood for Love's Tony Leung. Marvel’s The Eternals will also feature a diverse cast, including Salma Hayek, Kumail Nanjiani, Brian Tyree Henry and the first deaf superhero played by Lauren Ridlof. Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie will also be the studio’s first openly gay hero.
The future looks bright for the MCU! What are you most excited for in Phase Four? Sound off in the comments below!
