The Marvel Cinematic Universe, unfortunately, had to sit it out in 2020. With theaters closed for much of the year, Black Widow, Eternals and the rest of the Phase 4 slate was pushed back. But fear not, as there will be plenty of MCU content coming our way in 2021. This includes a handful of brand new live-action Marvel shows that will be debuting on Disney+.
Most shows of the MCU era have been largely disconnected from the movies. That will no longer be the case. Starting in January 2021, both the big screen and small screen version of the franchise will unite. So, for fans looking forward to the expansion, here are all five of the live-action Marvel shows coming to Disney+ next year.
WandaVision
The first new live-action MCU series will center on Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff and Paul Bettany’s Vision. From what we’ve seen in the trailers, this will be quite unlike anything seen before in the franchise, as it will blend classic sitcom styles with big comic book action. It will also connect directly to the events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
The cast includes Kat Dennings, Kathryn Hahn, Randall Park and Teyonah Parris. Matt Shakman directs with Jac Shaeffer set as the head writer. WandaVison debuts on January 15. The first season will consist of eight episodes.
Synopsis – “Marvel Studios’ captivating new series ‘WandaVision,’ which premieres in early 2021 on Disney+. Starring Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany, ‘WandaVision’ marks the first series from Marvel Studios streaming exclusively on Disney+. The series is a blend of classic television and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which Wanda Maximoff and Vision—two super-powered beings living idealized suburban lives—begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems.”
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes are teaming up for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. This was originally supposed to be the first new MCU series. But a production delay brought on by the pandemic shifted things around. In any event, this will pick up after the events of Endgame and bring Zemo, who we haven’t seen since Civil War, back to the fold.
Kari Skogland directs with Malcolm Spellman on board as the head writer. Daniel Bruhl, Wyatt Russell and Emily VanCamp star alongside Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan. The series debuts on March 19.
Synopsis – “Following the events of ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ Sam Wilson/Falcon (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) team up in a global adventure that tests their abilities—and their patience—in Marvel Studios’ ‘The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.’”
Loki
When last we saw Tom Hiddleston’s Loki, he made off with the Tesseract during the time heist in Avengers: Endgame. While we already know the character’s ultimate fate, thanks to Infinity War, this show will trace his journey following the escape.
Kate Herron is directing with Michael Waldron serving as the head writer. In addition to Hiddleston, the cast includes Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, Wunmi Mosaku and Richard E. Grant. It is currently set for a May 2021 Release.
Synopsis – “In Marvel Studios’ ‘Loki,’ the mercurial villain Loki (Tom Hiddleston) resumes his role as the God of Mischief in a new series that takes place after the events of ‘Avengers: Endgame.’”
Ms. Marvel
Ms. Marvel has become one of the biggest breakout characters in the pages of Marvel Comics over the last decade. Now, Kamala Khan is getting her MCU debut in a brand new show. Little has been revealed about the plot but newcomer Iman Vellani is set to star in the title role. Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige also revealed that Vellani will have a role alongside Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers in Captain Marvel 2.
Aramis Knight, Saagar Shaikh, Rish Shah, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Matt Lintz, Yasmeen Fletcher, Laith Naki, Azher Usman, Travina Springer and Nimra Bucha round out the cast. Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah, Meera Menon and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy are all on board as directors. The show is expected to arrive in late 2021.
Hawkeye
Last but certainly not least, Jeremy Renner’s Clint Barton is getting his moment in the spotlight. Renner first appeared as Hawkeye in Thor before getting a larger role in The Avengers. He has been a major supporting player ever since. However, he has never been given a solo project. Until now. Also taking place after the events of Avengers: Endgame, Hawkeye will see Kate Bishop, as played by Hailee Steinfield, entering the fold. In the comics, Bishop takes up the mantle of Hawkeye.
Plot details remain under wraps but the show appears to be taking inspiration from Matt Fraction’s beloved run in the comics. Rhys Thomas as well as Bert and Bertie are set as directors. The cast also includes Vera Farmiga, Fra Fee, Tony Dalton, Zahn McClarnon, Brian d’Arcy James and Alaqua Cox. The show is expected in late 2021.
So what do you think? Which of these live-action Marvel shows are you most excited about? Will these be enough for you to keep a Disney+ subscription? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
