Amid 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Release, Explaining Cultural Phenomenon Marvel Cinematic Universe
Amid the release of 'Deadpool & Wolverine', here's explaining the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Ever since the release of 'Avengers: Endgame' in 2019, Marvel has been witnessing franchise fatigue, and over the past few years, Marvel movies have not been able to strike a chord with the audiences. Fans have been asking Marvel to introspect about their choices and give them a proper experience like the Marvel movies of old used to do. Looks like, the studio has decided to listen to the voices of fans. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman-starrer 'Deadpool & Wolverine' has been released in theatres, and going by the box office collection, the film is set to wreak havoc.
'Deadpool & Wolverine' is being lapped up by fans globally, and the new Hollywood movie is witnessing huge footfall in theatres. The new Hollywood movie is being labelled as "Marvel's best after Avengers: Endgame', and many netizens are also calling it "proper fan service."
Speaking of the Shawn Levy directorial, the film is based on the Marvel Comics characters Deadpool and Wolverine.
'Deadpool & Wolverine' is the 34th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and it is also the sequel to Deadpool (2016) and Deadpool 2 (2018). Apart from Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, the new Hollywood film also stars Emma Corrin and Matthew Macfadyen. The plot of the film revolves around the Time Variance Authority (TVA) pulling Deadpool from his mundane life and setting him on a mission with Wolverine that will end up changing the history of the MCU.
As 'Deadpool & Wolverine' continues to set the global box office on fire, we decided to take a look at the Marvel Cinematic Universe, how it was created, and how over the years, the MCU movies managed to become a part of pop culture.
MCU has captured the imagination of the fans because of its interconnected storytelling. Each film and series contributes to a larger narrative, with characters and events crossing over between different films and series. This approach rewards fans with long-term vision. The MCU's success is largely due to its focus on character development. Over the years, audiences have witnessed the growth and evolution of characters like Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Thor, and Natasha Romanoff.
The MCU is known for blending different genres within its superhero framework. From the political thriller elements of 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' to the heist comedy of 'Ant-Man' and the space thrills of 'Guardians of the Galaxy', the MCU has managed to reinvent itself. The success of the MCU has had a deep impact on the film industry. The concept of a shared universe has been tried by different other studios as well, such as the DC Extended Universe and the MonsterVerse.
Now, let’s get right to business, and tell you about the different phases of the MCU, and what fans can expect going forward.
MCU Phase 1
Over the last 15 years, the MCU has become a global cultural phenomenon, as it has completely changed the way we perceive and enjoy superhero films. From its inception in 2008 with Robert Downey Jr-led 'Iron Man' to its interconnected narrative that spans multiple films and TV series, the MCU has managed to establish a unique storytelling model in modern cinema.
The MCU started with a bold vision from Marvel Studios, led by Kevin Feige, who in several interviews has stated that he initially aimed to create a shared universe similar to the continuity of Marvel's comic books. The first film, 'Iron Man' (2008), directed by Jon Favreau and starring Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, set the stage for what was to come. The film turned out to be a huge critical and commercial success, grossing over USD 585 million worldwide. The film also introduced the viewers to the concept of post-credits scenes, hinting at future projects and connections.
Following the incredible reception to 'Iron Man' in 2008, Marvel Studios released a series of films that gradually expanded the universe and introduced key characters. 'The Incredible Hulk' (2008) reintroduced the fan favourite Bruce Banner aka Hulk, played by Edward Norton. In 2010, 'Iron Man 2' then further developed Tony Stark's character and introduced us to Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson). In 2011, 'Thor' directed by Kenneth Branagh was released and it brought the Norse god Thor to the big screen.
'Captain America: The First Avenger' was then released in 2011, and it was directed by Joe Johnston. The Hollywood film introduced us to Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and the film also provided a historical backdrop to the MCU. In 2012, a big moment came in the MCU as the first 'Avengers' film was released, directed by Joss Whedon. The movie marked a groundbreaking culmination of Phase One, bringing together the main heroes such as Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and Black Widow to battle the alien threat of Loki and his Chitauri army. The film was a massive success, grossing over USD 1.5 billion worldwide.
MCU Phase 2
In 2013, MCU came up with Phase 2, and this slate of films expanded its scope and took several creative risks. 'Iron Man 3', directed by Shane Black, explored Tony Stark's PTSD following the events of the first 'Avengers' film. The same year then saw the release of 'Thor: The Dark World', directed by Alan Taylor, and the film delved deeper into the cosmic aspects of the MCU. 2014 then witnessed the release of 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier', directed by the Russo brothers. The film was a political thriller that redefined Captain America's role in the modern world.
'Guardians of the Galaxy' was then released. It was directed by James Gunn, and the film introduced a new team of cosmic misfits and expanded the universe's scope significantly. 2015 then saw the release of 'Avengers: Age of Ultron', directed by Joss Whedon. The film continued to develop the team dynamic and introduced key characters like Vision (Paul Bettany) and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). Phase 2 then came to an end with 'Ant-Man', directed by Peyton Reed and starring Paul Rudd as Scott Lang.
MCU Phase 3
After 'Ant-Man', Marvel Cinematic Universe expanded their filmography with Phase 3. 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), directed by the Russo brothers, saw the Avengers divided over the Sokovia Accords, and the film introduced Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and Spider-Man (Tom Holland) to the MCU. We then witnessed the release of 'Doctor Strange' in 2016, directed by Scott Derrickson. The movie introduced the mystical side of the MCU with Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange.
The next slate of films in Phase 3 included 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' (2017), 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' (2017), 'Thor: Ragnarok' (2017), and 'Black Panther' (2018). Other notable films in Phase 3 include 'Ant-Man and The Wasp' (2018), 'Captain Marvel' (2019), and 'Spider-Man: Far From Home' (2019).
2018 and 2019 then saw the release of 'Avengers: Infinity War' and 'Avengers: Endgame'. Both the films were directed by the Russo brothers, and these films turned out to be monumental events that brought together nearly every character in the MCU to face the threat of Thanos (Josh Brolin). 'Endgame' ended up becoming the highest-grossing film of all time, surpassing USD 2.8 billion.
MCU Phase 4
After the release of 'Avengers: Endgame' in 2019, Marvel came up with their Phase 4. This new phase marked the beginning of a new era for the MCU, with a greater emphasis on diversity and exploring the multiverse concept. Phase 4 saw the release of several Marvel TV shows. 'WandaVision' was the first MCU series on Disney+, blending sitcom tropes with superhero drama. 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' explored themes of legacy and race.
Tom Hiddleston's 'Loki' series introduced the concept of the multiverse. 'Black Widow' movie in 2021 provided a long-awaited solo story for Natasha Romanoff. Through 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' (2021), Marvel brought Asian representation to the forefront.
'Eternals' (2021), directed by Chloé Zhao, introduced a new team of cosmic heroes. The film starred Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie. 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' (2021) explored the multiverse by bringing back characters from previous Spider-Man film franchises. The movie also featured Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield as well.
'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' (2022), directed by Sam Raimi, delved deeper into the multiverse. Phase 4 also saw the release of other films and series like 'Hawkeye' (2021), 'Moon Knight' (2022), 'Ms. Marvel' (2022), and 'Thor: Love and Thunder' (2022).
MCU Phase 5
'Deadpool & Wolverine' is a part of the fifth phase of the MCU. Phase Five began with 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' (2023) and it was followed by 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' (2023) and 'The Marvels (2023)'. The Phase will now be taken forward with the release of 'Deadpool & Wolverine' (2024), 'Captain America: Brave New World' (2025), and 'Thunderbolts' (2025).
Phase 5 will also include a total of seven seasons of television series for Disney+.
MCU Phase 6
Phase Six will include 'The Fantastic Four' (2025), 'Blade' (2025), 'Avengers 5' (2026), and 'Avengers: Secret Wars' (2027). For the unversed, the fourth, fifth, and sixth Phases are collectively known as 'The Multiverse Saga'.
