Two years ago, Marvel Studios made history by outlining the third phase of its lucrative cinematic universe – a blueprint that spanned all the way to the release of Captain Marvel.
In the intervening years since, the company’s plans have chopped and changed; Inhumans has been repackaged into an eight-part ABC series, Black Panther retreated into 2018, and Infinity War – Part II has been stripped of its title to become Avengers 4. It’s still on course for a release in May of 2019, and will surely herald the advent of Phase 4 of the MCU. But with nary a mention of any solo projects beyond Captain Marvel in early 2019, Marvel is playing its cards close to the vest when it comes to the so-called “next incarnation” of its cinematic universe. And at least according to studio boss Kevin Feige, don’t expect the Powers That Be to break that radio silence anytime soon.
During the same interview in which Feige spoke about Spider-Man: Homecoming 2 and its crucial role in shaping the MCU going forward, the chief executive and all-around architect noted that there are currently no plans for any further announcements between now and the release of Avengers 4 on May 3rd, 2019.
I hope [the news comes] after that. I think there will be certain elements that start to come about, not the least of which is the already announced release date of the next Spider-Man film. But other than that we’re going to keep it very close to the vest because this is really about focusing on the unprecedented conclusion to a 22-movie overarching narrative.
Next up for the Marvel Cinematic Universe is Spider-Man: Homecoming on July 7th, before Thor: Ragnarok brings the curtain down on the studio’s 2017 offerings on November 3rd. Following that is Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther solo movie on February 16th, before Joe and Anthony Russo wage Avengers: Infinity War on May 4th, 2018.