An Overview of the Upcoming MCU Slate: Rumours, Speculation, and What We Know

We won't get the MCU's official Phase Four announcement until after Spider-Man: Far From Home, so I thought we'd take a look at all we've heard thus far to gauge what's coming. In going through this process we can track where various rumours have come from as well as get a sense of how valuable our sources are. I haven't included all rumours (most are speculative, after all), just the good sources or those that I think are instructive/interesting. In terms of 4chan, I've only included those posts which resonated strongly outside that environment.

I've listed films/shows in their presumed production order or by those which were rumoured first; notes beneath each IP are listed from oldest to newest (dates are included other than those from this May/June). News from the trades (Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline) and other official sources are in blue to differentiate them (Kevin Feige isn't generally in blue because his comments are often ambiguous--he's also been known to lie, such as his claim that the original title was always Endgame--something the Russo brothers subsequently debunked). Speaking of debunked, rumours/scoops/theories that are already disproven are in red. Acronyms: THR=The Hollywood Reporter, THS=That Hashtag Show, Wardell=the account of "Roger Wardell" (presumed to be a pseudonym), Conrad=Jeremy Conrad (of MCU Cosmic), Murphy=Charles Murphy (of THS/MCU Exchange), and Villanueva=Charles Villanueva (of MCU Exchange). Because some of the 4chan leaks cover multiple IP, I've given them all a number (1-7, purely based on their chronology), to clarify their association to one another.

MCU Films

Black Widow (filming May-November)

• (January, 2018) Variety reports Jac Schaeffer has been hired to write the film
• (April, 2018) Conrad says Black Widow is coming in 2020 (matching earlier speculation from myself and others)
• (April, 2018) THS says the film will be a prequel: "It will find Natasha living in the United States 15 years after the fall of the Soviet Union [2006], meaning we’ll meet up with Nat prior to the events of Iron Man 2. We’ve been told that early discussions about the film involved Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier. Though no director has been officially attached to the film, we can report that Brad Winderbaum will serve as the film’s executive producer, following his time in that role on Thor: Ragnarok. While rumors place the film on Marvel Studios slate of 2020 films, we were unable to confirm that release date." The plot THS includes seems to be cribbed from the abandoned Lionsgate project in 2004 (see below).
• (July) THR reports that Cate Shortland has landed the director gig
• (September) Conrad claims the film will center on Y2K (1999) and flashbacks connected to Age of Ultron
• (October) THS regurgitates the now-debunked film description (a slightly different version being circulated by Production Weekly--see below): "At birth the Black Widow is given to the KGB, which grooms her to become its ultimate operative. When the U.S.S.R. breaks up [1991], the government tries to kill her as the action movies to present-day New York, where she is a freelance operative. The standalone film will find Romanoff living in the United States 15 years after the fall of the Soviet Union [2006]." They also mention the movie will be filming in Croatia, something yet to be verified (currently Black Widow is shooting in Norway)
• (November) Discussing Film debunks the initial film breakdown (via Production Weekly) as a copy & paste of David Hayter's aborted 2004 Lionsgate film--even though this breakdown is nearly identical to the one THS posted months earlier, the Production Weekly version seems to have come out independently (although they may have the same source, ie, Hayter's script)
• (November) THS scoops character breakdowns for the film, which they say will start shooting in March (this date was accurate until the Benson re-write, see below)
• (January) Omega Underground claims the movie will begin filming in February
• (January) 4chan (3) post claims filming will begin in February and the story will alternate between 16-year old Black Widow in the year 2000 (revolving around the Y2K bug), and 24-year old Black Widow in the events directly preceding Iron Man 2. This post seems to conflate Conrad's idea above (Y2K) and the Lionsgate project (THS/Production Weekly), but while I think all of this is debunked I can't absolutely rule it out yet
• (January) Conrad believes the rumour that the film could be R-rated (see below)
• (February) Collider reports there's an eleventh hour re-write by Ned Benson, pushing back production on the film by two months (thereby confirming the THS report that the original start date was March)
• (February) Kevin Feige denies the film will have an R-rating
• (March) THS claims Ned Benson's re-write has added an entirely new, younger character (if this is accurate, given the date, it cannot be Pugh's character below)
• (March) THR reports Florence Pugh was in negotiations to join the cast (Marvel pursuing her since December), and could only confirm that she is playing a spy
• (April) Variety reports Rachel Weisz was in talks to join the cast, while THR reports David Harbour has signed on
• (April) Deadline reports O-T Fagbenle has landed a leading role
• 4chan (5) post claims Florence Pugh's character is Yelena Belova (a claim that Villanueva seems to accept, although I don't think he's mentioned having had that confirmed)
• Sebastian Stan makes comments that suggest the film is post-Civil War

Cast List (as per above): Main villain in their 40s, open to ethnicity [Harbour/Fagbenle?]; “kick ass” female character described as a “female Bond” late 20s/early 30s [Pugh?]; male with an emphasis on African, Middle Eastern or East Indian actors late 20s/early 30s [Fagbenle?]; 50-60 year old European Caucasian male/female; actress in her 50s to play a smaller, villainous role [Weisz?]; minor role described as a “bookish American” in his late 20s

Given that the original leak seems to have been debunked and there's no corroboration of Conrad's claims, it's not clear what the original Schaeffer's script was, meaning we have no idea what Benson's changes are (or, really, what the plot is outside of interpreting the THS cast list, which may be out of date). Leaked shots from production show Widow's hair is definitely pre-Infinity War and post-Age of Ultron (there's no blond tips from Endgame and its longer than Ultron, if nowhere near as long as in Iron Man 2). As for Stan's rumoured involvement, his Disney+ series overlaps the filming of Black Widow, meaning if he has a role at all it's a reduced one. Stan's Winter Soldier could only appear as a hostile force if he appears at all (ignoring flashforwards to the present), since even after his restitution in Winter Soldier he's on the run until Civil War and afterwards convalescing in Wakanda until Infinity War (in essence making him unavailable unless it's pre-Winter Soldier). Presumably Benson was brought in because at that point Schaeffer had already been made showrunner for WandaVision (see below), although the term "rewrite" (Collider's) implies major changes, so perhaps Schaeffer wouldn't be the choice to make them regardless. If we really want to go down the rabbit hole of speculation, perhaps Schaeffer's script was an early story about Natasha, similar to Hayter's Lionsgate film (which would have created room for Winter Soldier), but Benson jumped the film forward in time to post-Civil War, causing a ripple of changes (I'd take this speculation with a giant grain of salt).

The Eternals (perhaps filming August/September)

• (April, 2018) Conrad famously scoops that the film is coming; he says the success of Thor: Ragnarok is what got Marvel to pull the trigger on the franchise (removing it from ABC--see below)
• (May, 2018) THR reports that Matthew and Ryan Firpo have been hired to write the film
• (July) Conrad claims Kronos will be introduced in Endgame
• (September) Variety and THR report Chloe Zhao will direct the film, with THR saying: it involves the love story between Ikaris, a man fueled by cosmic energy, and Sersi, who relishes moving amongst humans
• (October) THS claims the plot is: "The story of ‘THE ETERNALS’ is set millions of years ago when the cosmic beings known as the Celestials genetically experimented on humans, creating the super-powered individuals as well as more villainous off-shoots known as Deviants. The two groups went on to battle each other throughout history to see which would eventually become the ultimate race. The story involves the love story between Ikaris, a man fueled by cosmic energy, and Sersi, who relishes moving amongst humans." The last sentence is clearly borrowed from the THR piece above; I'm suspicious that the rest is simply describing the comics and hoping the film is the same, but it could also be from Ridley's work at ABC (see below)
• (November) THS scoops character breakdowns; they also claim filming will begin in September
• (November) Conrad claims "Karen" and "Piper" will be introduced in Endgame
• (January) 4chan (3) post claims the film will begin shooting later this year: "characters might cameo in Avengers: Endgame; the movie will explore the 'origin' of the MCU and be mostly set thousands of years into the past; Hercules will be part of the cast and Thanos is expected to appear in some capacity." It's pretty clear to me that the 4channer derived his information from the above
• (February) Murphy reveals that up until 2018 The Eternals was the secret ABC project John Ridley had been working on since April, 2015
• (February) Discussing Film says the film will begin production in August (this seems to come from Production Weekly)
• (February) Conrad speculates "Karen" is Margo Damien from the comics
• (March) THS (Murphy) claims the film is looking to cast a an openly gay character as a lead, speculating that it could be Hercules--speculation Murphy walks back about a month later (see below)
• (March) 4chan (4) post drops attacking the earlier leaked synopsis (from October): "The movie isn't set millions of years ago, just the opening--the main story is set 30,000 years ago; it's a love story between Ikaris and Sersi, but that's not the crux of the film. A genderbent Sersi for two gay leads is being considered; Karen, Piper, Ikaris, Makkari, Sersi, Starfox, Thena, Zuras, and Hercules are the leads; the entire Greek pantheon will be alluded to, but may not be cast in this movie; Druig is the main villain; Karen leads the team, but is not the lead of the movie; Piper (Sprite) is planned to be super endearing and sympathetic, so if they do the Gaiman arc the audience will have a connection; the Celestials get fleshed out. We see the universe while they ruled it; the action is set entirely in the past to allow for greater powersets and a larger sense of scale than any MCU movie so far; we meet Odin at the age Thor is now in this film, who shows the same brash arrogance; Titan is visited in the film; it was described multiple times as "an epic" compared to The Odyssey; the word "awe inspiring" was used many times in relation to the action scenes, "Powers that can shape the course of planets;" most multicultural and inclusive MCU film yet." As I pointed out at the time, if this leak is authentic it must be early in the process, since the poster writes 'if they do the Gaiman arc'--that shouldn't be an 'if'--but the description fits the THS cast list (I'd speculate this is from either the initial pitch, an early draft, or even Ridley's work--clearly Marvel did not stick with a genderbent Sersi for very long)
• (March) THR reports Angelina Jolie is in talks to join the film
• (April) Conrad reiterates the THS' Hercules rumour without adding anything to it
• (April) THR says Kumail Nanjiani is in negotiations to join the cast; they also confirm Angelina Jolie is playing Sersi
• (April) Murphy debunks his own rumour that Hercules will be the gay character in the film; he also questions whether Hercules is in the film at all (a rumour he started)
• (April) Umberto Gonzalez reports Ma Dong-seok has joined the cast for an undisclosed role
• (April) THS says Marvel is considering Conrad Ricamora to play a gay character in the film
• Variety reports Richard Madden is in negotiations for the role of Ikaris
• Jim Starlin says Kronos will appear in the film
• 4chan (5) post echoes the Madden casting, saying Ikaris is a lead character in the film (something Villanueva initially questioned--apparently he'd seen three leaked cast lists and Ikaris was only named on the first)
• 4chan (6) post claims Keanu Reeves is part of the cast
• Conrad claims Marvel is in negotiations to add Keanu Reeves to the cast (echoing the 4chan post above)

Cast List (as per above): Ikaris, male, 20-40 [Madden]; Sersi, female, 20-40 [Jolie]; "Karen," actress early 30s, open ethnicity; Unnamed male lead a Greek god; Druig (no specifications); Piper, female lead, 10-16 years old of any ethnicity; Elysisus, actress, 20-40; Forgotten One/Gilgamesh, male, ages 25-45; Makkari, male, 25-45; Starfox, male, 25-45; Thena, actress 20-40; Zuras (no specifications).

We still don't really know the plot of the film. The THS cast list seems to debunk their original film description (due to the lack of Deviants), but there's nothing yet to confirm or deny the only other descriptor we have (from 4chan). I also question whether we'll get Hercules at all, since outside of Murphy's admitted speculation, there doesn't seem to be anything backing it and the known cast is bloated as-is. While we don't have an official filming date (unlike Black Widow above and Shang-Chi below), given the increasing flood of casting information the August-September window seems genuine.

Shang-Chi (filming in the fall, see below)

• (November) THS reports that David Callaham is writing a script for an unknown MCU film
• (December) Deadline reports Shang-Chi is being fast-tracked, confirming this is the film Callaham is working on
• (March) THR reports Destin Daniel Cretton has been hired to direct the film
• (April) Sydney Morning Herald says an MCU film is coming to Australia in the summer; Murphy is among those insisting this is for Shang-Chi
• 4chan (5) post claims the Mandarin is Shang-Chi's father (something I and others had speculated beforehand)
• Kevin Feige confirms plans to use the Mandarin (without specifying in what context)
• According to Villanueva filming will begin in Australia in the fall and casting has begun

It's not a coincidence that the moment Guardians 3 was delayed that Shang-Chi was fast-tracked (I believe in order to reclaim a third film slot for 2020). In terms of substance, we lack even solid speculation and with filming around the corner we have no idea what the story is or what the cast will be like. I believe the very short period between greenlighting the project and filming have cut down on customary leaks.

Guardians of the Galaxy 3 (filming in 2020)

• (May, 2018) Villanueva is told the High Evolutionary is involved
• (October) Karthik Prasad reports the film's production date as February, 2021
• (December) Wardell says Rocket's creator is the High Evolutionary and he gets a love interest in the form of Lylla; Drax's daughter is alive; Nebula and Star Lord become close friends
• (March) Deadline reports that James Gunn is returning
• THR reports filming will begin in 2020
• 4chan (5) post echoes Wardell adding the High Evolutionary is the main villain and that Lylla is his creation; Star-Lord and Nebula are searching for Gamora; Thor meets Beta Ray Bill (who might be another of the High Evolutionary’s experiments); Quasar and Adam Warlock rumored to appear
• 4chan (7) post (ripped off by Daniel RPK) speculating about Fin Fang Foom (as a creation of the High Evolutionary), Beta Ray Bill, etc

Given that the script for the film has been around for awhile it's a bit surprising that leaks didn't start dribbling out until recently. 4chan speculation is very busy--a lot of characters--although Gunn hasn't shown any fear in overstuffing his casts. I'm a little confused by the post that says Adam Warlock is 'rumoured' to return--if any new character was teased in Guardians 2 it's Warlock. How exactly James Gunn is looking to wrap up his trilogy remains a mystery, however, and I'm a little dubious he'd get to introduce Beta Ray Bill (such an iconic Thor-related character).

Doctor Strange 2

• (Fall, 2016) Scott Derrickson says numerous times during the promotion of Doctor Strange (eg) how much he loves Nightmare as a villain
• (August) J. K. Schmidt believed it would be a 2020 release because Marvel was set to film in the spring in the UK--these dates turn out to be for Black Widow 
• (December) THR reports that Scott Derrickson has re-signed to direct the sequel
• (December) Wardell says it will include time travel to the 1980s; Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One; Jericho Drumm (Doctor Voodoo), and an Asian-Clea
• (January) THS reports that C. Robert Cargill was re-signed to write the sequel
• (March) Scott Derrickson Tweets out an image that includes Namor that he promptly deletes
• (April) Deadline floats the idea it will be a 2020 release
• 4chan (5) echoes the Wardell story above, adding that Christine Palmer, Wong, and Mordo will appear; Lord Nightmare will be the villain; Mordo will be a complex, sympathetic antagonist

I think Deadline's rumour is unlikely and that the film will be a 2021 release, but we can't completely dismiss the idea until a few more months have passed. Otherwise we really don't know much about the film's substance, since we only have the one leak and it comes just after Derrickson returned and before Cargill started the script, meaning a lot could change. If the above rumours are true I don't think Namor will appear--the film has far too much to do (introducing Nightmare, Drumm, Clea, and developing Mordo plus time travel). If we do get Namor then the time travel is a way to make him 'present' in the MCU's history.

Black Panther 2

(October) THR reports Ryan Coogler has signed to write and direct the sequel
4chan (5) post claims Killmonger will appear in the spiritual plane; Queen Divine Justice will be featured; the movie will be political

This is almost no news--I haven't a clue what Coogler will want to do. Black Panther was a very safe first effort--the challenge of the plot was internal--so how to follow that up? There was no set-up for a sequel and nothing from Civil War, Infinity War, or Endgame offers any ideas for the future (outside, perhaps, the possible Namor easter egg--see below). The fact that we've had no leaks whatsoever may suggest the story is still in process (I've longed to see Storm introduced and Coogler gained access to her in April).

Unconfirmed MCU Films

Captain Britain

(March, 2016) The Independent reported on rumours about a TV series in the works
(July, 2017) Kevin Feige said: "We have discussed it [Captain Britain in the MCU]. There are a lot of actors that come in and ask about that part, so we’ll have to see."
(April) "Braddock" is named in Endgame during the 1970 flashback

The Endgame easter egg suggests that Feige has decided to move forward with the character, although in what way and when we have no idea. I think we're safe from the purgatory of movies set in the past, since you couldn't have a powered Captain Britain operating prior to Iron Man (nor would it make sense for him not to show up in Endgame if he began operating after Phase One), but beyond that it's all in flux. I suspect Marvel's reluctance to use him earlier had to do with much of his roster being tied up with Fox (while he's not a mutant, his sister Psylocke is and his team Excalibur includes many of them).

Namor

(February, 2017) A rumour via Production Weekly claimed a film or TV show starring Namor was on its way
(November, 2018) When asked about the character Kevin Feige says they are figuring out "if and when"
(March) Scott Derrickson Tweets out an image that includes Namor that he promptly deletes
(April) Murphy reported an uncertain rumour that Marvel had worked out the details of a solo film and had been scouting locations for months
(April) Endgame has a potential easter egg (the earthquake near Africa)

I suspect the rumour Murphy heard about location-scouting was for Shang-Chi and that got conflated with Namor discussions (we've had hints of him in Doctor Strange via the Derrickson Tweet and Black Panther via the Endgame easter egg, for instance, but it's all very vague). The acquisition of Fox simplifies using him since Fox no longer has a say (because Marvel made him a mutant, his film rights became complicated, cf, now it's just Universal and its distribution rights for solo films).

Black Knight

(September) Ain't it Cool (!) claims a Black Knight and Captain Britain film helmed by Guy Ritchie was set to begin filming that November--I've included this because of how ridiculous it is (and because it got coverage)
(December) Wardell says Marvel was considering him for a solo film
(January) 4chan (2) post claims there are plans to introduce Black Knight in the MCU. The concept would be that he is trapped in the Quantum Kingdom, a subatomic city first glimpsed in Ant-Man and the Wasp. The Quantum Kingdom would feature people from across time and space who were accidentally pulled into the Quantum Realm, among them Black Knight, who in the comics is a time-displaced Arthurian Knight
(January) Conrad claims Black Knight will be set-up in Endgame

It seems unlikely that a project including him is coming any time soon, but clearly ideas for him are being considered within Marvel (Scott Derrickson had an easter egg planned for him in Doctor Strange, but if memory serves was told to remove it, suggesting he was on the MCU board back in 2015). As for the 4chan leak--a time-displaced version of the character would either be brilliant or terrible, so I'm not sure how I feel about that (I can't help but dread the idea of wonky faux-Shakespearean English from him).

Thunderbolts

(December) Wardell says Marvel has 'big plans' for them, providing this roster: Zemo, Ghost, Justin Hammer, General Ross, Abomination, and the Leader

I don't think Zemo's appearance in Falcon and the Winter Soldier (see below) would negatively impact this. Some of the Dark Avengers rumours seem very similar to what's here, so I wonder if they would conflict with one another (granting that this group is feasible on Disney+ whereas the Dark Avengers are not).

Inhumans

(December) Adam McKay pitched an idea for a film to Kevin Feige

I don't think we'll ever see the Inhumans on film, but I wanted to include this because it's interesting that anyone wants to tackle the IP after the ABC-debacle.

Avengers (New Avengers/Young Avengers)

(January) We Got This Covered claims a New Avengers film is in early development with this roster: Kate Bishop’s Hawkeye, Hulkling, Iron Lad, Patriot, Wiccan, Stature, and Vision (not Paul Bettany’s version). WGTC is a terrible source, but I've included them because this echoes various other early speculation about the Young Avengers (eg)
(January) 4chan (2) post claims there are plans to revamp the Avengers franchise post-Endgame with a combination of the comics' New Avengers and Young Avengers. A team that mixes up established MCU heroes like Doctor Strange, Black Panther, and Captain Marvel with a new generation of teenage/young adult heroes inspired by the original Avengers. The idea is for the project to play up the eclectic cast (wizards, aliens, gadgteers, vigilantes, etc) and the 'culture clash' between the two age groups
4chan (5) post claims there are plans for New Avengers and Young Avengers, but neither are in active development

We're getting the Kate Bishop Hawkeye on Disney+, teenage Cassie Lang (Stature) from Endgame, with some work you could use Morgan Stark (cut from Endgame), and we know Ms. Marvel is coming (see below)--so there are Young Avengers' elements present to play around with. How a New Avengers team would work with the MCU's apparent plan to split the cosmic/grounded films (see below) remains to be seen.

Dark Avengers

(October) THS reports that Marvel commissioned a script for Dark Avengers
(January) 4chan (2) post claims there are plans to introduce Norman Osborn in the MCU as essentially 'evil Tony Stark,' a wealthy entrepreneur and technological genius who uses his intellect and resources for evil, and sponsors and spearheads his own team of villains--he might not even become Green Goblin
4chan (5) post claims there are plans for Dark Avengers, but does not describe it as being in development

Gaining access to Osborn outside Sony films would have to be negotiated--I'm not sure Marvel would want to lean their plans on that uncertainty (unless, of course, a new deal was already done).

Captain Marvel 2

(February) Charlie Schneider (!) claims Ms. Marvel is confirmed for the film

4chan (5) post claims there are plans for the film

Making over a billion dollars means a sequel is a slamdunk. Much of the speculation is about a prequel, which I don't want (and makes no sense if Kamala Khan is being introduced), but is a bit more tolerable in space than it would be on earth. Much like Black Panther, the first Captain Marvel was a very safe film--almost too safe, as Carol Danvers doesn't have any flaws yet, so a compelling sequel is going to involve a lot of work.

Thor 4

(April) Tessa Thompson says she's heard rumours about the film happening
(April) Chris Hemsworth begins talking incessantly about how much he'd like to make more Thor films

4chan (5) post claims there are plans for the film

Everyone involved wants to make more Thor movies, so we'll get them--it's just not clear when.

X-Men & Fantastic Four

(April) Kevin Feige says it will be a long time before we see the IP
4chan (5) post claims they won't appear until Phase Five

I was dubious of this assertion when it started floating around (prior to Feige's comments), but if it is true it shows that Disney is willing to wait for the MCU to capitalize on the massive asset they purchased with Fox. It needs repeating that, even without the X-Men, we could get X-characters beforehand.

Nova

4chan (5) post claims a film is in active development

The character has had appearances cut from three films to this point, so clearly Marvel wants him to appear, they're just struggling to figure out where and when.

Ant-Man 3

4chan (5) post claims there are plans for this, but it's not in development

If we get a third film I think we'll have a new director for it--when left to his own devices Peyton Reed couldn't quite deliver (by that I mean the anemic box office).

Confirmed MCU Disney+

WandaVision (filming in the fall)

• (January) THR reports that Black Widow writer Jac Schaeffer will be the showrunner
• (January) 4chan (2) post claims Vision is reborn in Avengers: Endgame and reunites with Scarlet Witch. They attempt to lead normal lives in the suburbs of New York, but Vision is no longer connected to the Mind Stone and is therefore cold and emotionless. Scarlet Witch attempts to use her powers, which are connected to the Mind Stone, to restore Vision’s “soul”, with disastrous results. Described as a “psychological thriller”, light on action and heavy on atmosphere, and exploring the lead characters’ personal issues. Vision will be in human form for most of it and become the antagonist, as Scarlet Witch slowly realizes she accidentally allowed a dark spirit to possess him. Agatha Harkness will be featured as a mysterious figure attempting to reveal to Scarlet Witch secrets of her past, and there will be a subplot about the public’s backlash against human/machine relations once the true nature of Vision and Scarlet Witch’s relationship is revealed.
• (April) Elizabeth Olsen confirms the series will film in the fall
• 4chan (5) post echoes the above briefly (Vision gets rebuilt, Wanda tries to give him a soul and he instead gets possessed by a dark force. More of a psychological thriller with a 1950's aesthetic. Wanda and Vision end up living in the suburbs where the neighborhood is racist against Wanda's robosexuality. The witch Agatha Harkness might appear)

While my mind could be changed, the plot we've heard is not particularly interesting. The relationship elements could come across as very clunky and nothing about Wanda's character really screams out 'psychological thriller.'

Loki

• (January) THS says "Tom Hiddleston will return to reprise the role of Loki, narrating the events of his own life, presumably from the afterlife (Valhalla) following his death. Fans of the comics will know that Loki has died and come back to life many times in many different forms, among them Kid Loki who interacted with the Young Avengers. Should the studio cast a younger actor or two in the role, it certainly does not preclude Hiddleston from doing more than narrating. Who knows what the God of Mischief has up his sleeve?"
• (January) 4chan (2) post echoes the above: Loki meets the Norns after his death and must persuade them to spare his soul from Hel. Tom Hiddleston will appear in bookend scenes and narrate throughout, but the blunt of the story is about Loki’s youth and the events that led him down the path of evil, with a new actor playing young Loki. We will also see young Thor, and Rene Russo will have a big role as their mother Frigga. Odin will be away on a mission for most of the story, and the few times he appears, his face will be obscured, with Anthony Hopkins ADR-ing the dialogue. The sorceress Karnilla and the barbarian Ulik will be the main antagonists
• (February) THR reports Michael Waldron will be the showrunner
• 4chan (5) post echoes the above, only adding it will show how Loki has impacted human history
• Bob Iger says all the shows will occur after Endgame

I'm not a fan of this plot at all--Loki telling stories from his past removes the stakes from those stories--it also means there's nowhere for his character to go. There needs to be a forward throughline or it's all just an academic exercise. My mind could, of course, be changed by the final product. I'm not sure what to make of Iger's comment--without something further it's not enough to debunk the idea that the show is largely a prequel.

Falcon and the Winter Soldier (filming in August, airing in August)

• (November) Variety reports Malcolm Spellman has been hired to write the series
• (January) 4chan (2) post claims Falcon and Winter Soldier are recruited by SHIELD to prevent anarchist group Ultimatum from enforcing a secret plan developed by Hydra to destroy the United Nations. The duo must also deal with John Walker [aka U.S. Agent], a soldier recruited by the U.S. government to become the new Captain America, who slowly goes insane and becomes a threat. The project is described as a “spy thriller” with lots of twists and turns, and it relies heavily on Falcon and Bucky’s dynamic, in the same vein as Lethal Weapon or 48 Hours. Emily VanCamp's Sharon Carter will be the team’s contact with SHIELD, and Samuel L. Jackson will make appearances as Nick Fury. William Hurt is also in talks to appear as Secretary Thaddeus Ross
• 4chan (5) post echoes the above (Falcon and Bucky have to work together with a new government-sanctioned Captain America to stop terrorists from destroying the United Nations. New Cap eventually goes psycho and they have to stop him. Seems like it'll lead to Sam becoming the new Cap after all)
• Deadline says the show was negotiating to add Sharon Carter and Zemo to the cast (the former indicated in the initial 4chan post)

This sounds like a great show--all the elements are interesting--and if the leak is correct then it gives Falcon the chance to earn the shield as opposed to simply being handed it. I have no idea what they'll do with Sharon Carter, who never moved beyond a one-note, Maria Hill-clone/failed Cap romance. I suspect due to cost they may cut Fury appearing (General Ross might be a cheaper add).

Hawkeye

• (June, 2018) Kevin Feige talked about using successor characters in the MCU
• (June, 2018) Conrad suggests a few years down the line the MCU will bring in the Kate Bishop Hawkeye
• (November) Conrad says the project is developing internally (either a movie or a show)
• (January) 4chan (2) post claims it's a “caper” about Hawkeye coming out of retirement to help aspiring vigilante Kate Bishop after she gets in trouble with organized crime while using his name. Hawkeye’s family would be heavily featured. The Hood would be the main antagonist, with Trickshot as his enforcer.
• (April) Variety confirms Kate Bishop will be part of the show
• 4chan (5) post echoes the above (Hawkeye has to come out of retirement because troublemaker Kate Bishop begins running around claiming to be the new Hawkeye and gets into trouble with the mob; trains her to take his place. Supernatural mobster The Hood and Hawkeye's evil brother Trickshot might appear)

I could do without Clint's family, who were hastily put together by Joss Whedon in Age of Ultron and carry no weight whatsoever. Otherwise, this looks like a fantastic show and a great swansong for the underutilized Barton-version of Hawkeye.

Speculative Disney+

Blade

(May, 2013) THR reported Marvel had a script for a film
(July, 2017) When asked Kevin Feige said: "I think it would be fun to do something with him one day"

I think the upcoming Sony Morbius film might be the impetus to move forward with this, but given that Feige has dumped all minor IP previously on film to TV, I think this too will go to either Hulu or Disney+ (for fans I hope it's not to the Loeb-ghetto).

Moon Knight

(January, 2017) James Gunn admitted he pitched a Moon Knight film to Marvel, but didn't have time to do it himself
(April, 2018) When asked Kevin Feige was very blase about the property: "Does that mean 5 years from now, 10 years from now, 15 years from now?"
(January) 4chan (2) post claims it is being discussed

I have no idea what the reluctance to use him is; nor is it clear if he's destined for the Hulu dustbin or if he'd be allowed into the MCU-proper.

Ms. Marvel

(May, 2018) When asked about her Kevin Feige said: "[She] is definitely sort of in the works. We have plans for [her] once we introduce Captain Marvel"
(June, 2018) Kevin Feige talks about using successor characters in the MCU

(December) Wardell says Marvel has considered a film for her, but a show is being heavily discussed

(February) Charlie Schneider, of all people, claims Ms. Marvel is confirmed for Captain Marvel 2

It's inevitable that we get Kamala Khan, but if she's going to appear in Captain Marvel 2 it's either got to be a post-credit scene or those prequel rumours for the sequel are wrong. I suspect she'd work better on Disney+ (at least when being introduced).

Nick Fury

(October) Conrad reports a rumour about a Nick Fury show on Disney+ and this was immediately shot down by Peter Sciretta from Slash Film

Rocket & Groot

(November) THS reports a rumour that this will be a show on Disney+
(January) 4chan (2) echoes the idea

Due to the effects budget required I've never bought into this idea (it's also deflated by James Gunn saying he's wrapping up Rocket's story in Guardians 3).

Lady Sif

(January) Discussing Film claims a Disney+ show is coming
(January) 4chan (2) post claims it has been pitched as a “sidequel” about Lady Sif’s journey across the Nine Realms after being betrayed and exiled by Loki masquerading as Odin. Beta Ray Bill would be featured as one of Lady Sif’s companions in her journey, and the Enchantress would be the main antagonist. Jamie Alexander is willing to return, but they are still figuring out a schedule that doesn’t conflict with her TV show Blindspot.

This would be a prequel--occurring after Dark World but before Ragnarok, which is a very odd choice. I doubt Beta Ray Bill would appear here either (especially if he's going to be introduced in either Guardians 3 or Thor 4). If this were to happen I don't think Alexander would be able to start filming until next year (assuming Blindspot's final half-season films during the fall).

War Machine

(January) 4chan (2) post claims it's a “sci-fi thriller about Rhodes pushing the boundaries of his own humanity as he investigates the theft of Stark Industries’ technologies and uncovers a conspiracy masterminded by an elusive organization that is providing criminals and terrorists with cybernetic enhancements. Envisioned as a “deep dive” into War Machine’s lore, introducing his sister Jeanette Rhodes, girlfriend Glenda Sandoval, and friends Suzi Endo and Jake Oh, with Parnell Jacobs and Stewart Clarke as villains. Limiting factors are the budget and Don Cheadle’s schedule."

I really doubt Disney would go forward with this--War Machine is a minor, C-tier hero whose associated characters are basically unknown (and whose presence raises the question, 'why didn't they come up in the Iron Man films?'), so the cost versus benefit just isn't there.

Agent 13 (Sharon Carter), Nebula, Okoye, Hank Pym, The Ravagers, and The Sentry

(January) 4chan (2) post claims all are being discussed

Sharon's appearance on another show suggests her solo project has been abandoned (which makes sense--as a character she doesn't move the needle for anyone). I don't think Okoye or The Ravagers (which would basically be a Kraglin show) are realistic either, even if the latter could have Firefly vibes. As for Nebula...the Russo brothers helped her character grow, but I don't know that there's enough depth for a show (it's more plausible than the aforementioned, however). As for Hank Pym, it depends on what you'd want to do with it (if Michael Douglas has to be de-aged I think you can forget it due to cost). The Sentry would also, I think, be prohibitively expensive (especially as no one knows who he is).

Film or Disney+

Power Pack

(2005) Since the onset of Marvel Studios the IP has been on the slate (at that time as a film)
(December) Wardell says discussions about a Disney+ show are occurring
Conrad says development has commenced (without being sure if it's a film or show)

I think this would have to be a show--kid-oriented superhero films have not done well (eg the Ant-Man films and Shazam), suggesting the film-appetite for them is weak.

Deathlok

(April) Deadline reported rumours that Deathlok was coming to the big screen (whether related to the character on Agents of SHIELD or not was not clear)

I frankly don't believe this and think either Deadline got it wrong or simply are wrong (maybe they had the 1990s Randall Frakes script in mind).

Cancelled Projects/Plans

Spider Man: Far From Home

(May, 2018) Jessica Drew was reported as appearing in the film via 4chan (1) and THS--based on internal evidence it seems like both got this information from Villanueva, who was told about the initial draft of the script; her role was subsequently replaced by Maria Hill and Nick Fury (cf)

Howard the Duck

(September) Lea Thompson pitched a reboot, but Marvel turned her down (it's now an animated project)

A-Force

(September) Variety brings ABC's announcement of Allan Hinberg helming the project
(February) Deadline reports that ABC has killed the project before a pilot is shot

I realize this is an ABC-show (ergo not the MCU), but I bring it up because speculation about A-Force in the MCU has occurred repeatedly (eg).

General Things about the MCU Going Forward

Union Jack

(June, 2018) MCU producer Nate Moore talked about his attempts to get Union Jack into the cinematic universe

Another character who doesn't move the needle, he could fit into a Captain Britain or Black Knight vehicle (or anything that's associated with the UK).

Story Arcs and Norman Osborn

4chan (5) post claims the MCU will aim for 'mini-arcs' of 3-6 films; that there will be a divide between the cosmic and more grounded MCU; that Norman Osborn is planned as the main villain of the latter assuming the deal is renewed with Sony (THS claims the Sony Silver & Black film was scrapped because Marvel opposed using Osborn in it)

Assessing the 4chan Rumours

• 1) About Far From Home

Seems to have been cribbed from the early draft Villanueva saw/had described, which if so would make it authentic.

• 2) A huge post discussing Black Knight (echoing Wardell), revamped Avengers, Dark Avengers plans (echoed by #5), New Avengers plans (echoed by #5), extensive descriptions of WandaVision (echoed by #5), Loki (also #5), Falcon and Winter Soldier (echoed by #5 and, to an extent, Deadline), Hawkeye (also #5 and, to an, extent Variety), Lady Sif (echoing Discussing Film), War Machine, the possibility of various other shows: Moon Knight, Sentry, Rocket & Groot (echoing THS), Nebula, Okoye, The Ravagers, Agent 13 (Sharon Carter), and Hank Pym

I think this leak is authentic. Not to say everything in it will happen, but that it's a scoop from someone with sources within the MCU.

• 3) Addressed Black Widow and The Eternals

I think the poster simply conflated other rumours to make their own 'scoop.'

• 4) About The Eternals: a comprehensive plot breakdown

If real, it seems like an early version of the film (with a possible genderbent Sersi--something that's not happening--and a lack of clarify of where the IP is going).

• 5) A huge post that repeats a lot of #2, so I'll skip that and just note the differences and where it gets other support: claims Florence Pugh's character is Yelena Belova; the Manderin is Shang-Chi's father; adds Guardians 3 details to Wardell's leak; adds Doctor Strange 2 details to Wardell's; provides details for Black Panther 2; says New/Young/Dark Avengers/Ant-Man plans are not yet in development; says there are plans for Captain Marvel 2; no X-Men/Fantastic Four until Phase Five; Nova is in development; makes claims about the MCU's new approach to larger story arcs

The Guardians stuff seems a bit much to me--just too many characters. The rest all seems plausible, but the content could be speculation from a fan. The primary test for authenticity, I think, will be a Nova film and the MCU's approach going forward.

• 6) Casting speculation about The Eternals

It reads like a fan wishlist.

• 7) About Guardians 3

It's pretty wild speculation (adding, like #5, too many characters to an already overstuffed film).

Conrad has five misses above, along with 'borrowing' the following rumours: Murphy's about Hercules in The Eternals; 4chan's about Keanu Reeves in The Eternals; and 4chan's about Black Knight appearing. He'll need his Power Pack scoop to pan out to regain credibility in my eyes.

It's notable that much of the speculation above is firmly set in a pre-Fox acquisition world--marginal characters like the Sentry will almost certainly get washed away once the huge array of X-Men and Fantastic Four characters arrive (along with the returning Netflix IP--Iron Fist, Luke Cage, and Daredevil next fall, with Jessica Jones and the Punisher just a few months later).

The Phase Four Slate

Given all the above I thought I'd put on my prediction hat and get us through the next few years (which I last took a stab at in May).

2020
May - Black Widow
[Added Date] - The Eternals
November - Shang-Chi
2021
February - Black Panther 2
May - Guardians 3
November - Doctor Strange 2
2022
February - Captain Marvel 2
May - Thor 4
July - New Avengers

The Eternals gets a spring/summer date because it's going to have a bigger 'name' cast and likely be effects-heavy (perfect fodder for that time). Marvel tends to put its riskier solo outings (like Shang-Chi) outside that timeframe. After that, Black Panther retains its February slot, Guardians has the long-planned summer date (a year later than originally planned), Doctor Strange echoes its original slot, as does the Captain Marvel sequel. They can only wait for so long before we get our Thor sequel, but this would make a preponderance of 'cosmic' MCU films, so something more earth-based must follow and since it'll have been awhile since an Avengers team-up I've got New Avengers slated. The only film rumoured to be in active development excluded here is Nova. Spider-Man 3 isn't included because it's a Sony date (but would be summer, 2021). Keep in mind that from 2021 onward the MCU can easily put out four films a year if they wish (excluding Spidey), so this could be expanded.

This article is written by Peter Levi (@eyeonthesens)