Movies

MCU Breaks 17-Year Trend With First Phase 6 Film

BBG News

Starting from this month, Marvel Studios is set to disrupt a pattern that’s been ongoing for more than 17 years within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Unlike previous phases, which have traditionally been linked by a storyline arc and grouped into Trilogies or Sagas, Phase 6 might not follow this format. The Infinity Saga, consisting of three phases leading to Avengers: Endgame, and the ongoing Multiverse Saga, anticipated to conclude with Avengers: Secret Wars, are examples of this structure. However, it’s important to note that the specifics for Phase 6 are yet to be fully revealed.

In the sixth stage of the Multiverse Saga, we’ll be embarking on the final phase’s beginning. Kicking things off, Marvel Studios is revisiting a tradition from Phase 1. The very first Marvel Cinematic Universe film was “Iron Man,” which unveiled Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Tony Stark. Crucially, “Iron Man” served as an origin story. During Phase 1, we saw the origins of several other Marvel heroes unfold, including “Captain America: The First Avenger” and “Thor.” Since then, Marvel Studios hasn’t started a phase with an origin story film. In other words, they’re returning to their roots by beginning Phase 6 with another origin tale.

The transition occurs on July 25, as Phase 6 commences with “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”. Unlike conventional origin stories for Marvel’s founding team, this release marks the initial encounter for viewers with the main quartet of superheroes.

The Fantastic Four isn’t necessarily a follow-up to any other Marvel Cinematic Universe movie, but they do play a significant role in upcoming Marvel Studios productions.

In the Multiverse Saga, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has introduced numerous origin stories for new heroes in films such as Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Eternals. Interestingly, none of these have been chosen to kick off a phase; instead, Marvel has opted to begin phases with sequels.

First Steps” marks a shift away from the previous four-part pattern in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Instead of continuing the established narrative, it takes us back to the beginning, telling the origin story that will launch the MCU into a fresh new chapter.

All the Films That Have Started an MCU Phase

Phase One: Iron Man

I was captivated by the movie that sparked it all – Iron Man. This groundbreaking film kickstarted the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and told the tale of one of Marvel Comics’ most legendary heroes. Jon Favreau’s superhero masterpiece established the unique blend of humor, action, and larger-than-life personas that would become synonymous with the MCU, setting a high standard from the very beginning.

In simple terms, the movie “Iron Man” narrates the backstory of Tony Stark, a billionaire philanthropist who transformed his father’s arms company and eventually developed an iron suit that made him the ultimate weapon. From the very beginning, “Iron Man” set the stage for creating a cinematic universe, as Marvel Studios subtly foreshadowed future events with their first post-credits scene.

Phase Two: Iron Man 3

In the first phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we introduced notable characters such as Thor, Hulk, and Captain America, concluding with 2012’s Avengers. The second phase commenced with the third installment in the Iron Man series.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this was Robert Downey Jr.’s final standalone movie. The narrative unfolds as Tony Stark confronts the aftermath of the Avengers’ events and encounters a fresh menace from the enigmatic figure known as the Mandarin.

Phase Three: Captain America: Civil War

In Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, an Avengers movie marked its start, where Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man took opposing stands following the government’s enactment of the Sokovia Accords – a contentious set of rules. This led to the formation of two teams among the Avengers, resulting in friends squaring off against each other. The film further introduced significant characters from the MCU such as Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther.

Phase Four: Black Widow

Scarlett Johansson’s character Natasha Romanoff had to wait for four different stages before getting her own standalone movie. However, following her heroic sacrifice in “Avengers: Endgame”, Marvel Studios deemed it appropriate and made “Black Widow” the kick-off film of Phase 4. Although “Black Widow” delves into Romanoff’s backstory, the film primarily functions as a prequel, with most of the action happening after the incidents in Captain America: Civil War but before “Avengers: Infinity War”.

Phase Five: Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania

Just as Phase 2 was followed by Marvel Studios’ third phase (which concluded with the release of Ironheart), they initiated their fifth phase with a trilogy finale, Ant-Man’s third film titled Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania. While Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly’s Avengers appearances were highly anticipated, it was the introduction of Kang the Conqueror, the main villain of the Multiverse Saga, that really grabbed everyone’s attention.

Nevertheless, the issue surrounding the actor Jonathan Majors and the controversy associated with him resulted in a significant last-minute change in the plotline of the saga. As a result, Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Doctor Doom, replaced Kang as the primary antagonist.

Phase Six: The Fantastic Four: First Steps

In the upcoming summer, starting from late July, the sixth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe commences with the premiere of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps“, where audiences will meet Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach).

In a different universe, the quartet, known for being Marvel’s original household, will make their debut in a standalone movie. Their actions during this film seem to set the stage, ultimately leading them to join the main storyline, appearing next in Avengers: Doomsday.

Read More

2025-07-05 21:04

Previous post Angelina Jolie’s daughter Shiloh, 19, enjoys Fourth of July sweet treat with rumored love interest Keoni Rose
Next post Rob Lowe’s 9-1-1: Nashville Return Is A TERRIBLE Idea!