Marvel's mystery cosmic TV series means the MCU's original Phase 4 plans are back on track. The last year has seen the MCU transform into a transmedia multiverse, with Marvel Studios producing a range of popular and critically-acclaimed Disney+ TV shows. The first wave of these essentially explored the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame, with some shows focusing on individual character arcs and others on the geopolitical consequences of restoring half the human race in an instant.

Now, there are reports Marvel is working on a new cosmic project for Disney+. Nothing is known about this project to date; no character names have been attached, no arcs have been mentioned, and no context has been given. It could potentially feature a character who's already well-established in the MCU, as there have been Disney+ shows starring Loki, Scarlet Witch, and Falcon, after all. Alternatively, the current wave of Disney+ TV series is introducing brand new heroes such as Moon Knight and Ms. Marvel, so it could star someone who's brand new to the MCU. Naturally, the internet is abuzz with speculation.

Related: MCU Has A Mystery Space Show: Here's Which Characters Could Be In It

It's interesting to note, though, that work only seems to have begun on this mystery MCU cosmic project some months after production began on cosmic future of the MCU. He explained that Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is a story that "will lead to other stories," before adding: "It's innate to the DNA that that's the end of a trilogy, but it's the beginning of a whole other element of the Marvel Cosmic universe." Disney fired Gunn in July 2018 after tasteless jokes he'd shared on social media resurfaced; he was ultimately rehired, but consequently, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and all its cosmic setup was delayed. The timing of this mystery Disney+ cosmic show suggests things are back on track.

Marvel's Phase 4 plans appear to have pivoted as a result of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3's delay, with the multiverse becoming the center of Phase 4. However, it's exciting to see the MCU head back into space, especially given the studio now has the rights to the Fantastic Four and all associated characters, who are decidedly cosmic in nature. Gunn's script for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was prepared long before Disney acquired the bulk of Fox's film and TV empire, but it surely wouldn't be hard for Marvel to weave some of those into whatever plans they have for the future.

If Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is indeed envisioned as the launchpad for countless other stories - Gunn once claimed  would set up the next 10-20 years of Marvel movies, and presumably, Disney+ shows as well - then this mystery Marvel cosmic TV series is the first of many to head into the vastness of space. It presumably won't be long before more details emerge, helping viewers get a sense of what the future has in store. Those hints might not just reveal more about the MCU, but they may also offer important clues as to the state of the cosmos after Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

More: How Guardians of the Galaxy 3's Delay Completely Changed Marvel Phase 4

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