Today brings unfortunate news, Marvel fans. Several key Marvel Cinematic Universe movies have been delayed. Again. As a result of the pandemic, the Phase 4 MCU slate has shifted around quite a bit. Now, everything from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness to Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania has shifted once again. The new release calendar is as follows.
Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness – May 6, 2022
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was slated to arrive in theaters on March 25. It has now been delayed by about six weeks to May 6. That means it will be five and a half years between solo MCU installments for Benedict Cumberbatch. Be that as it may, this one will have major ramifications for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as it will be opening up the multiverse in a big way.
Thor: Love and Thunder – July 8, 2022
The much-anticipated Thor: Love and Thunder has been pushed to July 8 next summer. It had occupied the May 6 date, now taken by Doctor Strange 2. The sequel sees Chris Hemsworth return as the God of Thunder. Taika Waititi is directing after turning the franchise around with Ragnarok. Natalie Portman will also make her return to the MCU as Jane Foster, who will become our new Thor.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – November 11, 2022
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the sequel to 2018’s smash hit Black Panther, got majorly pushed back. The movie had occupied the July 8 date. It is now going to arrive a full four months later on November 11 of next year. Ryan Coogler returns to direct. The movie will not recast Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa following the actor’s untimely passing. Rather, a new actor will take up the Black Panther mantle.
The Marvels – February 17, 2023
The Captain Marvel sequel has been delayed out of 2022 entirely. Titled The Marvels, the movie will now arrive on February 17, 2023. It was previously dated for November 2022, where Black Panther 2 now sits. The sequel is helmed by Nia DaCosta (Candyman), with Brie Larson returning as Carol Danvers. Teyonah Parris is also returning as Monica Rambeau, with Iman Vellani starring as Kamala Khan. Vellani will first appear in the Disney+ Ms. Marvel show.
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania – July 28, 2023
Lastly, the Ant-Man sequel has also been pushed to summer 2023. It had previously occupied The Marvels’ new date. Peyton Reed is directing the follow-up to Ant-Man and the Wasp, with Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly returning. Additionally, Jonathan Majors will be the main villain, Kang the Conquerer.
So what do you think? Are you bummed about the delays? Which Marvel Cinematic Universe movie are you most looking forward to? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!