Phase 4 of the MCU was a mixed bag and understandably so coming off of the Infinity Saga. Featuring an absurdly unique series, an adventure through the multiverse, a thunder and lightning filled romcom, and a fourth-wall breaking sitcom, it has offered just about something for everyone, resulting in the most diverse phase so far. Now that it’s all over as audiences gear up for the next phase with the release of Ant Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, read on as we take a look back at the various films and series that have graced our screens both big and small over the last few years.
WandaVision
Kicking things off was the beautifully absurd WandaVision, a streaming series on Disney+ that saw each episode take inspiration from a different era of television sitcoms. The series followed Wanda Maximoff and Vision who returned from the dead as a result of Wanda’s magic which also created of her beloved sons Tommy (Jett Klyne) and Billy (Julian Hilliard) Maximoff. Meanwhile, the series also saw the returns of fan favorites Darcy Lewis and Jimmy Woo, as well as introducing fans to Maria Rambeau’s daughter Monica (Teyonah Paris) who eventually gained powers from Wanda’s magic. The series also introduced fans to White Vision, a copy of Vision who is still out there. The series was all about Wanda finally embraces her destiny, becoming the Scarlet Witch. After a mystical battle with nosy neighbor and witch Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn), she gains the Dark Hold and goes into isolation, to search the multiverse for her boys.
WandaVision kicked Phase 4 off with a bang, with an immaculately stylized story and visuals, while also delicately dealing with loss that is sure to make fans shed a tear. Mostly, fans get to see Wanda embrace her destiny and become the Scarlet Witch, a moment that was long overdue but well worth it.
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier
Set six months after the events of Avengers: Endgame, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier follows Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson as they both struggle with the loss of Captain America/Steve Rogers. The two heroes found themselves in a battle against the flag-smashers, a group of anti-patriots who believed the blip was a better time for the world, eventually leading them to team up with Baron Zemo who himself was soon captured by the Dora Milaje for killing the previous king of Wakanada, T’Chaka, in Captain America: Civil War. Fans are also introduced to Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), a super soldier with a tormented past. Likewise, Bucky and Sam also come toe-to-toe with John Walker/US Agent (Wyatt Russel) who got recruited by the mysterious Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) as what we now know for set up for the upcoming Thunderbolts film. Thankfully, Walker gets his shield taken from him by the new rightful Captain America, Sam Wilson. A post credit scene reveals that Sharon Carte is the deadly criminal known as the Power Broker.
In the end, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier sadly didn’t live up to the brilliance of WandaVision, but nonetheless still told a compelling and poignant story touching themes such as racism and trauma while introducing many new characters and one of the best suit reveals in the MCU.
Loki
Loki picks up right after the events of Avengers: Endgame, where everyone’s favorite god of mischief stole the tesseract during the events of the original Avengers. However, he quickly found himself arrested by the TVA (Time Variance Authority) for creating a new branching timeline. He then meets a man named Mobius (Owen Wilson), a TVA agent who asked him to help track down a dangerous variant who is revealed to be a female variant of Loki named Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino). After plenty of ups and downs, the two Lokis team up and found themselves face-to-face with a man known as He Who Remains who was quickly revealed to be a variant of Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors). Despite being warned not to kill him, Sylvie kills him thus breaking the “Sacred Timeline” causing a temporal earthquake throughout the multiverse. Unlike WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki was renewed for a second season which set to be released sometime later this year.
Loki is easily the MCU’s series so far in terms of scale and setting up what was to come, giving future series a lot to live up to. Thankfully, the series did more than enough to win fans over with an enthralling story boasting cool visuals, brilliant performances, and weird yet awesome variants.
Black Widow
A prequel set between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, Black Widow dives into the past of Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff, introducing audiences to new MCU key player Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) as well as her father Alexi/The Red Guardian (David Harbour) and her mother Melina (Rachel Weisz), not to mention the iconic comics villain Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko). The post credit scene saw Yelena visit Natasha’s grave in the present where Valentia Allegra de Fontaine appears and tasking her to kill Clint Barton/Hawkeye.
What If?
What If? was the MCU’s first dive into animation and is an anthology series exploring many different versions of the MCU’s most iconic moments. Sporting a surprise cast of Samuel L Jackson, Brie Larson, Chris Hemsworth, Chadwick Boseman and led by Jeffrey Wright voicing the Watcher’s first appearance in the MCU. The series may not necessarily connect to the wider MCU as a whole, but the final two episodes still found a way to bring the season together in jaw-dropping fashion.
What If? was a lot of fun in spite of its many flaws. However, when the series was at its strongest, it’s simply fantastic. Presenting audiences with creative and unique storylines and worlds drawn from the comics and the MCU, the final MCU appearance from Chadwick Boseman was especially heartbreaking. Season 2 is set to be released sometime this year.
Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings
Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings introduced audiences to the character of Shang-Chi and brought Simu Liu to the MCU. The film saw the titular hero gain control of the incredibly powerful ten rings, a mystical set of weapons wielded by his father Wenwu (Tony Leung) and in the process, took down his criminal organization named after the rings. The post credit officially made Shang Chi an Avenger whilst discussing the mystery of the rings with Wong, Carol Danvers, and Bruce Banner as well as setting up a potential spinoff series focusing around Shang Chi’s sister, Xu Xialing (Meng’er Zhang) as the new head of the Ten Rings.
Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is certainly the most underrated and overlooked entry of Phase 4, delivering some of the best action scenes in the MCU and introducing a compelling new hero that fans instantly fell in love with. Leung as Wenwu was a phenomenal villain and one of the best, and if not for a stronger third act, it could have easily been the best entry of Phase 4.
Eternals
Eternals introduced audiences to a family of immortal heroes known as the Eternals, including the likes of Ikaris (Richard Madden), Thena (Angelina Jolie), Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), Ajak (Salma Hayek), Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), Gilgamesh (Don Lee), Sersi (Gemma Chan), Druig (Barry Keoghan) as well as Sprite (Lia McHugh) and Makkari (Lauren Ridloff). Likewise, the film also saw the first appearance of Dane Whitman/The Black Knight (Kit Harrignton) not to mention Harry Styles appearing as Thanos’ brother, Eros/Starfox. The film doesn’t necessarily set up much other than celestials and what the film does set up may take a while to pay off.
Eternals is certainly the weakest film of Phase 4; however, the cast was simply spectacular, the CG was spotless, the action was riveting and the cinematography and direction from Chloe Zhao were breathtaking. The writing and overabundance of characters ultimately drag this film down.
Hawkeye
Introducing Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) as a Hawkeye superfan, Hawkeye sees its titular hero take Kate under his wing after getting mixed up in a dangerous conspiracy involving his former Ronin suit. Yelena Belova also makes an appearance after getting blipped to kill Hawkeye of which she would not end up going through with. Similarly, fans saw the return of Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin for the first time officially, in the MCU.
Hawkeye truly was a festive treat and one that dived into Clint Barton’s guilt over Natasha’s loss as well as delivering another great MCU duo. The chemistry between Renner and Steinfeld was dynamite and seeing Yelena appear once again was simply a delight, not to mention D’Onofrio not losing a beat as Kingpin.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Spider-Man: No Way Home dove head first into the multiverse bringing Green Goblin, Doc Ock, Electro, Sandman, and the Lizard to the MCU after a failed spell from Doctor Strange. To fix this multiversal disaster, the whole universe is forced to forget Peter Parker including those very close to him, making for a truly heartbreaking ending.
This may sound like a broken record, but Spider-Man: No Way Home is simply a masterpiece. Its great writing, exhilarating action set pieces, and emotion culminate in a truly great movie. In addition, the cast is impeccable, adding so many more layers and making the film one of the most special and exciting movies ever made.
Moon Knight
Moon Knight is a series that tackles such themes as trauma through a character with multiple personality disorder. While trying to understand his loss of memory and come to terms with his multiple personalities, Steven Grant (Oscar Isaac) finds out that he is a mere avatar for an ancient Egyptian god named Khonshu (F. Murray Abraham), putting him in a deadly war against the series villain, Arthur Harrow (Ethan Hawke).
Isaac is breathtaking in his roles as Grant and Marc Spector, delivering a powerful and at times hilarious performance. The series deals with trauma and multiple personality disorder extraordinarily well, all while setting up many future storylines down the road. Moon Knight delivered many brilliant action scenes and for the most part, intriguing writing. However, its pace and 6-episode length holds it back from greatness.
Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness sees a young teenager named America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), with the ability to travel the multiverse enlist the help of Dr Stephen Strange with a multiversal threat. In turn, he sought the help of The Scarlet Witch who accidentally revealed herself as the threat, seeking Chavez’s power so she can reunite with her children. From there, the Scarlet Witch begins to wreak havoc upon the multiverse in pursuit of Strange and Chavez, ending with her supposed death.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness definitely doesn’t get the love that it arguably deserves. Sure, there was a lot of hype, with the endless number of cameos that fans were expecting considering the premise for which it sadly didn’t deliver. Beneath all that disappointment, however, is still an irreverently fun film. Director Sam Raimi brings all his Raimi-isms into this flick, making it a complete blast to watch. Similarly, Olsen is utterly compelling in one of the best performances in the MCU.
Ms. Marvel
Ms. Marvel follows Pakistani-American teen Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) who was imbued with superpowers after wearing her familiy’s ancestral bangle. The season saw her go on a deadly mission searching for the origins of her powers and the mysteries that lie with her family. Meanwhile, Kamala fights a deadly group that hail from another dimension, known as the Clandestines, who want to use Kamala’s powers to get home and potentially destroying Earth in the process. The series ends with Kamala swapping places with her superhero idol Captain Marvel, which will most definitely be explained in The Marvels which is set to be released in theatres this July.
The early episodes of Ms. Marvel were a breath of fresh air, amping up the style of the MCU while delivering a compelling dynamic involving the eccentric members of Kamala’s family. That being said, as the season progressed, the series only got weaker and weaker. Ultimately, Vellani was a delight to watch on screen and the episode end credits were beyond exciting.
Thor Love and Thunder
Thor: Love and Thunder sees Jane Foster finally take up the mantle of The Mighty Thor, wielding Mjolnir as well as the ability to summon thunder and lightning. The story also saw Jane, Thor, Valkyrie, and Korg take on the terrifying Gorr The God Butcher (Christian Bale) who sought to slaughter the Gods with the Necorsword. The film also featured Zeus (Russel Crowe) as well as introduced Hercules to the MCU, revealed to be Brett Goldstein in a post credit scene. Sadly, the film ends with Jane passing away from cancer and then greeted by Heimdall in Valhalla in another post credit scene.
Overall, Thor: Love and Thunder is immensely goofy and a huge black sheep of the MCU. While not being awful, the film couldn’t help but feel disappointing, leaning far too much into Taika Waititi’s irreverent and over-the-top humor. That being said, the film does work well as a romcom.
I Am Groot
These 5 adorable shorts of I Am Groot didn’t add much to the MCU, other than being the cutest collection of shorts ever, of course following the ever so adorable Baby Groot.
In the end, I Am Groot is a fun and adorable time that doesn’t bring anything new to the table but is still a must watch for fans.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
Smashing her way into the MCU, She Hulk follows lawyer and cousin Bruce Banner, Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany), as she struggles with her new green alter ego. A case-of-the-week series, it also saw appearances from such character as Wong, Abomination, and of course Megan Thee Stallion making awesome appearances. Jen’s battles weren’t just in court, however, as she faced off against Titania (Jameela Jamil) as well as the hate group known as Intelligencia. Matt Murdock/Daredevil notably made a triumphant return to court before latter donning a new red and yellow suit. The character of She Hulk has been synonymous for breaking the fourth wall and the first season finale was by far the most fourth wall break-y in the MCU thus far. Unsatisfied with her own season’s ending, she smashes her way to the real world to rewrite her own ending and in the process, shake up the tired superhero formula.
She Hulk was a welcome surprise and delivered on all levels. Phenomenal casting, exciting cameos, compelling writing, and hilarious comedy kept audiences hooked. Its nine-episode structure was brilliantly-refreshing, allowing the series to breathe and not feel as rushed as the previous shorter series.
Werewolf By Night
Werewolf by Night marked Marvel’s first Special Presentation, featuring a black-and-white, self-contained gothic trip into classic horror, introducing the supernatural side of MCU. Whilst not offering much into the MCU as a whole, fans are introduced to Jack Russel (Gael Garcia Bernal), Man Thing and the heroic monster hunter Elsa Bloodstone (Laura Donnelly).
Werewolf by Night, is one of the most polished and exceptionally presented MCU projects to date, leaning into its supernatural source material and classic horror style, resulting in a gripping, scary, and action-packed story. Seeing acclaimed composer Michael Giacchiano take the directors chair as well as the composing its score, the music is unsurprisingly jaw-dropping and is used to perfection.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
The final feature film in Phase 4, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever deals with the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman, who played T’Challa/Black Panther and the nation of Wakanda’s mourning of their fallen king in a tear-jerking and heartfelt reflection of the actor’s death.
The film also introduces fans to Namor (Tenoch Huerta), the king of the underwater kingdom, Talokan, and Riri Williams/Iron Heart (Dominique Thorne). As the world attempts to get their hands on Vibranium, he embarks on a quest for revenge against the people on the surface. This eventually leads Namor to come to blows with Wakanda, resulting in the death of Queen Ramona and leaving Shuri to take up the mantle of Black Panther. The end of the film saw M’Baku become the new King of Wakanda while the post credit scene revealed T’Challa’s son, Toussaint (Divine Love Konadu-Sun).
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is simply beautiful. Not only is it a heartwarming tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, it is also an utterly compelling and action-packed superhero epic. Huerta was superb as Namor while Wright proved Shuri to be a worthy Black Panther that fans will want to see more of.
The Guardians of The Galaxy Holiday Special
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special was a festive treat that followed Drax and Mantis as they kidnap Earth’s greatest hero, Kevin Bacon, as their Christmas present for Peter Quill/Star Lord while plenty of hijinks ensued. It is also revealed that Quill and Mantis are brother and sister.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special was a joyous treat, filled with uproarious comedy, cute character moments, and featured everything that acclaimed comic book director James Gunn is known for.
Phase 4 Review
As a whole, Phase 4 did have its fair share of ups and downs over the course of the MCU’s biggest phase yet. Featuring 8 television series, 7 films, 2 specials, and animated short anthology, most audiences criticized it for its quantity over quality route. While it’s a fair criticism, it still pushed the MCU forward in new and interesting ways, introducing new heroes and expanding on established characters and stories. Spider-Man: No Way Home, WandaVision, Loki, Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and both Special Presentations were definite highlights, delivering some of the content the MCU has ever seen. Phase 4 may not be the best the MCU has had to offer, yet it leads greatly into what looks to be an exciting Phase 5 which looks be the biggest and best yet. Such entries as Ant Man and The Wasp: Quantummania, Guardians of The Galaxy Volume. 3, Daredevil: Born Again and Deadpool 3 will inevitably be on many lists of the most anticipated films of 2023 and beyond.
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Journalist, Writer, Film Critic and Professional Nerd. You will probably find Olly at the cinema chomping down on some popcorn and taking in the glorious visuals of the latest theatrical release.
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