The Marvel Cinematic Universe is in a fascinating place right now. We're currently in the interim year between Phases Three and Four, allowing the rabid fanbase to digest the events of Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home. Marvel Studios only recently debuted its plans for Phase Four, which include both big screen blockbusters and Disney+ series. And despite the deaths of characters like Iron Man, the massive franchise is showing no signs of slowing down.
Kevin Feige previously stated that there are already plans through the next two phases of the MCU, and the limitless potential for the future was recently echoed by producer Victoria Alonso. Because while certain long-running characters have met their end, there's a huge catalogue to explore. As Alonso put it:
There are so many stories to tell. The thing about Marvel is we have 6,000 characters in our library. There will be children forever telling these stories.
She's got a point. Marvel Comics have introduced countless iconic characters to the masses on the page, so Disney and Marvel Studios have the potential to bring each of them to the masses in live-action. As such, we should expect more blockbusters to hit theaters throughout the foreseeable future.
Victoria Alonso's comments from the CG confab SIGGRAPH (via THR) show how far ahead the studio is looking, despite Phase Three only recently wrapping up in theaters. The next slate of movies will break new ground for the property, moving on after the departure of Avengers Iron Man, Black Widow, Captain America and Vision. And that's just the tip of the iceberg, considering the giant catalogue of characters the studio has access too.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe began as an experiment, introducing serialized storytelling to the masses for the first time. Plus, the studio didn't have access to beloved characters like Spider-Man and the X-Men, which belonged to various studios at the time. But the House of Mouse is a well-oiled machine, and has slowly but surely acquired those characters as well. So there are plenty of stories to tell in the future.
Related: Sounds Like Marvel Studios Is Really Focusing On Diversity In Phase Four
This comment about Marvel's future is in stark juxtaposition to the genre's critic, who are in fear over "superhero fatigue." The idea is that so many studios are producing comic book blockbusters, they'll blend together and the market will become too saturated. But Marvel blockbusters have only continued to make more money, with Endgame beating Avatar's record as the highest grossing movie of all time. And now that Fox's X-Men franchise has ended its long run, it's only a matter of time before the team of mutants crosses over into the MCU proper.
The next installment in the MCU will be Black Widow on May 1st, 2020. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
