After a particularly packed 2021, when the MCU premiered a whopping five streaming shows on Disney+, the juggernaut studio entered 2022 with the promise of six new shows. So far, only Moon Knight has premiered, but fans already have a good idea of what's to come.
Out of the six shows that are still to debut this year, some have the potential to be huge within the MCU. None will likely be game-changers like Loki or WandaVision were, but some can potentially impact the larger MCU significantly. However, others look like they'll be fun, self-contained adventures and nothing more, and that's perfectly fine.
I Am Groot
The MCU's second trip into animation will showcase everyone's favorite living tree, Groot. The show, appropriately titled I Am Groot, will consist of shorts following the titular character as he journeys the galaxy, meeting new characters, learning from them, and getting into trouble. No clue as to the Guardians' potential appearance, but it would be nice to see Groot away from the team.
Groot's iconic catchphrase can have multiple meanings, and it's always a delight to hear the character say it. Groot is often comedic relief in the Guardians movies, so it'll be nice to see him take the spotlight for once. The series sounds like a good way to relax and enjoy the endearing tree's adventures, but it doesn't feel like it'll have any importance for the upcoming third Guardians movie, let alone the MCU. Alas, fans will probably have a good time, especially children, who seems to be this show's primary target.
What If...? Season 2
The first season of What If...? was a solid success. Critics and fans enjoyed this venture into the Marvel multiverse, exploring how different things would be if only one thing changed. The show turned out to be important for Phase 4, with certain episodes providing further insight into major projects like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Season two will premiere sometime in late 2022 and follow the Guardians of the Multiverse as they get into new adventures. The premise sounds great, and it could potentially set up future MCU projects should the multiverse keeps being a thing on the big screen. However, the MCU could also end its cinematic multiverse exploration with MoM and leave it for the small screen. Anyway, What If...? season two will certainly be an event, but it might not impact the larger MCU in any significant way.
Werewolf By Night Halloween Special
Comic Book fans might know Werewolf by Night, but the character is most likely foreign to mainstream audiences. As one of Marvel's many supernatural characters, Werewolf by Night has several limitations on when and how he can show up in the universe's continuity. He mainly appears alongside other Marvel supernatural beings, mainly Blade, Morbius, Ghost Rider, and even Doctor Strange.
Fans don't know much about the Werewolf by Night Halloween Special other than the potential release date and some key casting details. However, with the upcoming Blade film already announced and the character seemingly recruiting Black Knight during the post-credit scene of Eternals, fans can see the supernatural corner of the MCU is beginning to take shape. Werewolf by Night would be the most logical choice to join Blade and Black Knight, adding mystery and a sense of macabre into Marvel's otherwise flashy and colorful world.
She-Hulk
Emmy winner Tatiana Maslany will step into She-Hulk's high heels in a miniseries of the same name, expected to premiere sometime in late 2022. Fans know Mark Ruffalo and Tim Roth will reprise their roles as Bruce Banner/Hulk and Emil Blonsky/Abomination and that Jameela Jamil's Titania will most likely serve as the series' main antagonist. However, the show's actual plot is still under wraps.
However, it's hard to imagine She-Hulk won't play a larger role in the MCU after her show. Why else would they include her? She could be one of the most powerful members of the MCU's A-Force or act as a supporting player throughout multiple movies, much like Ruffalo's Hulk. Whatever role she takes, She-Hulk will surely play a prominent in Phase 5; she might even become an Avenger, should the MCU choose to finally give Hulk a break.
The Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special
Following his DC stint with The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, James Gunn is back in Marvel mode with two different projects. The first one, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, will premiere in December 2022 and feature the film's original cast, including Zoe Saldaña's Gamora.
The Special seems to draw inspiration from the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special, so fans should expect some references to it. Otherwise, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special will serve as a direct set-up for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. It will introduce a new character -- perhaps Chukwudi Iwuji's unknown character, Will Poulter's Adam Warlock, or even the MCU's Nova. This addition and Gunn's trademark irreverence will surely make the special a must-see for Marvel fans.
Ms. Marvel
Ms. Marvel will premiere in June 2022 and bring Kamala Khan into the MCU. Originally an Inhuman in the comics, Kamala's character has been significantly altered to better fit the MCU, leaving fans anxious about the end product. However, the show is arguably the most anticipated from the 2022 slate, not only because of the representation it brings to the table but also for what it means for the future MCU.
Kamala is one of the characters already confirmed for The Marvels, the sequel to Captain Marvel, which will feature the team-up between Khan, Carol Danvers, and Monica Rambeau. Beyond her appearance in The Marvels, Kamala could appear as part of the Young Avengers -- even though she wasn't an original member in the comics. Overall, the future seems bright for Ms. Marvel, making her show the hottest property in the 2022 MCU Disney+ slate.