The release dates for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Phase 4 have changed several times over because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but here are the dates currently confirmed. After Phase 3 concluded the Infinity Saga with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was able to see a full theatrical release despite the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
Despite Shang-Chi's theatrical release in September 2021, Marvel announced in October 2021 that their release calendar would be getting another reshuffle, with 5 of the 8 scheduled movies getting new release dates. While many of the previous delays were driven by Marvel and Disney hoping to be able to do theatrical releases after Shang-Chi's success, that is not the case here. Rather, Marvel has cited production issues that have arisen, presumably related to COVID-19, which means it will take the studios just a little longer to get the movies perfect.
While the MCU release schedule has seen quite the reorganization, audiences can still reliably tune in to Disney+ for the continued MCU TV shows. Following on from the success of What If...?, Disney+ will release Hawkeye in November, and a full slate of series coming after that. So while some movies will take a little longer to reach theaters, there is plenty to keep fans busy in the meantime. For now, here is the complete MCU release schedule from 2021 to 2023 as it currently stands.
Eternals - November 5, 2021
As the Eternals. Set over a span of thousands of years, Eternals follows a band of immortals who have long stood on the sidelines during the universe's biggest conflicts. The cast features new MCU characters played by a star-studded lineup, including Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie.
The first Eternals footage emerged as part of an MCU sizzle reel to a positive reception, and as release day draws near, fans have had more trailers to enjoy and analyze as they get excited for the film. Notably, Eternals is set to welcome the Nomadland, building hype for her first superhero venture.
Spider-Man: No Way Home - December 17, 2021
Since entering the MCU, Tom Holland's Spider-Man has become a hugely popular figure. His solo movies, Peter framed for Mysterio's (Jake Gyllenhaal) death and the London attack.
Unfortunately for MCU fans, Sony has delayed Spider-Man: No Way Home several times, meaning the highly-anticipated premiere is now set for December 17, 2021, rounding out a busy 2021 for Marvel. With the rights to Spider-Man, Sony has attempted to cross over its own Spider-Man releases with the MCU's, teasing a Vulture connection in the Morbius trailer which only grew with the release of Alfred Molina's Doctor Octopus appearing in the trailer.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness - May 6, 2022
Despite his prominent role in Avengers: Infinity War, Stephen Strange's return was pushed back nearly a year, now hitting theaters on May 6, 2022.
Thor: Love and Thunder - July 8, 2022
Thor: The Dark World (and a brief appearance in Avengers: Endgame thanks to archive footage and some newly recorded dialogue) to play Mighty Thor; Tessa Thompson is confirmed to return as Valkyrie; and MCU newcomer Christian Bale will provide the villain, Gorr the God-Butcher, all of which serves to build even more anticipation for the fourth solo Thor movie.
Originally scheduled for November 5, 2021, Thor will return to the big screen on July 8, 2022, and fans can expect some fairly major cameos. Not only are the Guardians of the Galaxy heavily rumored, but Russell Crowe claims to be playing Zeus, and Melissa McCarthy appears as part of another inevitably hilarious stage play sequence.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - November 11, 2022
Black Panther 2 was first announced in 2019 and has since earned a subtitle in Wakanda Forever, with original director Ryan Coogler is set to return. Not much is known about Black Panther 2's plot, but considering the first film's cultural cache, the sequel remains one of the most highly anticipated releases on Marvel's slate.
Since that initial announcement, of course, Black Panther star and King T'Challa himself, Chadwick Boseman, tragically ed away. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is pressing ahead without him, and it remains to be seen how the franchise will continue without its titular hero. The sequel's title suggests Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will focus on themes of legacy and community.
The Marvels - February 17, 2023
Captain Marvel 2 was in the works. In May 2021, the sequel's title was confirmed as The Marvels, which gives Brie Larson's Carol Danvers top billing alongside two MCU newcomers.
Teyonah Parris debuted as an older Monica Rambeau in WandaVision and developed the powers of Spectrum, her alter-ego from the comics. Monica clearly has beef with Carol that The Marvels can resolve. Rounding out the titular trio, Imam Vellani will play Kamala Khan in Ms. Marvel on Disney+ before ing Rambeau and Danvers in theaters. Brie Larson's return as Carol Danvers was scheduled to land on July 8, 2022, but now sits at November 11 that same year.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 - May 5, 2023
The Suicide Squad for the "other side." Nevertheless, most fans are just happy Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is happening at all.
All the main gang will be returning, as well FOTGOTG (friends of the Guardians of the Galaxy) such as Nebula, Kraglin, and Mantis. Interestingly, Elizabeth Debicki will reprise her role as Ayesha, and Will Poulter has been cast as Adam Warlock, meaning that the character's tease will finally be paid off. With Dave Bautista recently claiming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will likely be his final performance as Drax the Destroyer, 2023 could well be the last time the Guardians appear in their traditional guise, so enjoy them while you can.
Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania - July 28, 2023
If you thought Scott Lang would leave the Quantum Realm well alone after the events of Avengers: Endgame, you’d be very much mistaken. Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors.
Infamous enough to potentially succeed Thanos as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s big bad, Kang is a genius armed with advanced future technology, which he uses to conquer various worlds across time, space, and multiple realities. Fortunately, Ant-Man and Wasp won’t be fighting him alone. Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeiffer are back as Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne, and the role of Cassie has been curiously recast. Scott’s daughter will now be played by Kathryn Newton (Detective Pikachu, Supernatural, Blockers), suggesting a transformation into Stinger could be on the horizon.
