After taking an unexpected 18-month hiatus, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is coming back in a big way in 2021.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe took an unexpected 18 month hiatus thanks to the coronavirus pandemic shutting down both production and movie theaters, causing Marvel Studios to delay its films and Disney+ TV series all the way out of 2020. But finally, this month will see the return of the MCU in what figures to be the biggest year ever for Marvel Studios. The Marvel Cinematic Universe took an unexpected 18-month hiatus thanks to the coronavirus pandemic shutting down both production and movie theaters, causing Marvel Studios to delay its films and Disney+ TV series all the way out of 2020. But finally, this month will see the return of the MCU in what figures to be the biggest year ever for Marvel Studios. Below, here is a rundown of all the films and TV shows (the first under the Marvel Studios banner) that will stream or (hopefully) hit theaters this year, and how we think they could affect the larger MCU. „WandaVision“ (Jan.15) • Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany return as Wanda Maximoff and Vision, the latter of which is still definitely dead. The first MCU TV series for Disney+ finds Wanda’s reality-bending powers transporting the pair into the idyllic (and fictional) town of Westview, where they attempt to live out a sitcom-inspired lifestyle. • How it could affect the MCU: We already know this will somehow lead into the „Doctor Strange“ sequel in 2022, in which Olsen is set to appear alongside Benedict Cumberbatch. „WandaVision“ also sees the return of Kat Dennings‘ Darcy Lewis from the „Thor“ movies and Randall Park’s FBI agent Jimmy Woo from „Ant-Man and the Wasp.“ Teyonah Parris also debuts as the grown-up version of Monica Rambeau from „Captain Marvel,“ and she’s set to appear in that film’s sequel, „Captain Marvel 2.“ Also Read: ‘WandaVision’ Calls Back to Classic Sitcoms With Live Studio Audience, Black & White Premiere „The Falcon and The Winter Soldier“ (March 19) • Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan return as the title characters, who will have team up despite not really enjoying each others‘ company. „Falcon and the Winter Soldier“ will see them battle against the anarchist group known as the Flag-Smashers, while the U.S. government tries out a new Captain America. • How it could affect the MCU: We’ll see the introduction of John Walker aka U.S. Agent (played by Wyatt Russell), who will, at least temporarily, become the new Captain America despite Steve Rogers handing his shield to Sam in the „Avengers: Endgame.“ We won’t be shocked if this series ends up with Sam officially taking over the Captain America moniker. Daniel Bruhl and Emily VanCamp also reprise their MCU roles as Baron Zemo and Sharon Carter, respectively. Also Read: ‘The Falcon and Winter Soldier’ Trailer: Sam and Bucky Team Up, With ‘No Plan’ (Video) „Loki“ (May) • Despite seemingly dying three times — the last one for good — Marvel is still not done with Tom Hiddleston’s trickster god.
