By Courtney Key
After DC announced their slate of films through 2020, many wondered when Marvel would do the same. The answer came today at the El Capitan in Los Angeles, as Marvel revealed its Phase Three titles and release dates to the press. Among the most-talked-about announcements is the addition of two new characters to the Marvel Cinematic Universe – Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel, and Black Panther, both of whom will be getting their own solo movies. The press conference also confirmed earlier rumors about the Civil War storyline entering the MCU with Captain America 3, as well as revealing an upcoming two-part Avengers movie event focused on the Infinity Gauntlet storyline.
Talking Comics news contributor Huw Parry tweeted the announcements of the Marvel liveblog to the Talking Comics Twitter. If you weren’t able to follow then, here’s a round-up of events.
First up in Phase Three, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige revealed, will be Captain America 3: Civil War, to be released on May 6, 2016, which will also see an appearance by Black Panther “in costume.” It will be followed in the fall by the Doctor Strange movie on Nov. 4, 2016. Feige promised that Doctor Strange would “open up a whole new world for the cinematic universe,” though he would not confirm casting rumors regarding Benedict Cumberbatch, saying that if it was confirmed, he would have announced it at the event.
The following year will see three Marvel titles released. Guardians of the Galaxy‘s untitled sequel will kick things off on May 5, 2017. Thor: Ragnarok, with the return of Loki, will hit theaters on July 28, 2017, with Feige ominously stating that Ragnarok means “the end of all things.” Finally, on Nov. 3, the Black Panther solo movie will be released. Chadwick Boseman will be starring and was introduced at the theater.
The news a lot of comics fans were waiting for came next, as Feige announced that Captain Marvel will be getting her own movie on July 6, 2018. Feige confirmed that it will be Carol Danvers carrying the Captain Marvel mantle, and said that writer and director announcements would be made for the movie prior to any casting.
Before Captain Marvel hits screens, the first part of Avengers: Infinity War, focusing on the Infinity Gauntlet storyline, will be released in May 2018, with part two following in May 2019. Phase Three finishes off with the Inhumans movie on Nov. 2, 2018, though Feige said there may be Easter Eggs regarding the Inhumans popping up in earlier movies.
In response to questions about a Black Widow movie, Feige said that, like Hulk, her role will primarily be in Avengers films, and that there are events coming up in the films in which she will play a key role.
What are your thoughts on Marvel’s Phase Three? Which film are you most excited to see? Who would you like to see cast for new roles in the upcoming movies? And how much am I going to cry if Loki actually dies in Thor: Ragnarok? Spoiler: so very, very much.
Source: Talking Comics Twitter
