Marvel promised some major announcements for Phase 3 of their cinematic universe and they certainly delivered. At the El Capitan theater in Los Angeles they officially showed their hand for their next blockbusters until 2019.
Fans have barely had any time to process the Avengers: Age of Ultron trailer that was shown off last week, but now they have that to look forward to and so much more. Here is a rundown of everything to expect once that film is out in May.
Captain America Civil War
May 6 2016
This is one that has been rumored for a while. Some speculated that the Super Hero Registration Act from the comic book event Civil War would be translated into the third Avengers movie, but it looks like Captain America will be leading this one. This series promised a lot of hero on hero fight scenes as the lines between government and the rebellion were clearly drawn in the Marvel U for the first time.
Doctor Strange
Nov. 4 2016
Doctor Steven Strange has been on the cusp of stardom for some time. With his use of magic and sorcery he would certainly bring a mystical tone to the current world of Marvel that audiences have not seen yet. With it all but confirmed that Benedict Cumberbatch is playing the Strange, this one is sure to be a mega hit in 2016.
Guardians of the Galaxy 2
May 5, 2017
A talking raccoon and a talking tree have had audiences hooked on a feeling since it launched in the last month of summer. So much so that Marvel has made the decision to bum its release date up substantially. Plot details are scarce at the moment, but as long as it continues the exploits of Starlord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Groot there is no doubt that it will strike a chord with audiences early in 2017.
Thor: Ragnarok
July 28, 2007
Thor 2 might have disappointed a few fans (too little Loki was a common complaint), but that is not going to stop the excitement for the third installment. Fans of the comics know that Ragnarok means the great end of something. Is this a hint that we can expect the end of Chris Hemsworth playing the Norse God of Thunder?
Black Panther
Nov. 3, 2017
This is one that a lot of people have been clamoring for. The story of the T'Challa from Africa will star Chadwick Boseman as the super hero and will be Marvel's first hero starring an African American in the lead role. The character brings a great sense of secrecy and subtlety, from his actions to his uniform; in a world of bright green monsters and star-spangled soldiers, that should easily help him carve an identity for himself.
May 2018
Avengers: Infinity War Part I
That is correct; Marvel will be taking the Harry Potter route with the third installment of the Avengers by splitting it into two movies, with the first arriving in 2018. The title is a dead giveaway that the Infinity Gauntlet and Thanos will be the focus of this movie, something that has been a consistent through line in every Marvel film so far.
Captain Marvel
July 6 2018
She may not be Black Widow, but Marvel is at least showing fans who have wanted a female led super hero movie that they are listening. There are not as many concrete personnel in place for this film as much as others, but the name drop alone is tantalizing enough.
Inhumans
Nov. 2, 2018
They may not have the immediate name recognition of other heroes in this line-up, but remember that did not stop Guardians from being successful. The Inhumans are a race of superhuman who were simply born with fantastical abilities. Think of this as Marvels answer to Mutants as long as FOX holds the rights to that brand of entertainment.
The Avengers: Infinity War-Part 2
May 2019
This will be the official conclusion to Phase 3. It is hard to imagine what could possibly come next, but there is a good chance that everyone will be waiting with anticipation once we reach that point in just a few years.
