2020 marked the first time in a decade that there were no new releases within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans are eagerly awaiting the future of the MCU. While there are plenty of theatrical releases coming up like Thor: Love and Thunder and Black Widow, the Disney+ streaming service will play a large part.
There are about a dozen series and specials planned for Disney+ within the coming years. Most of them have fans excited, especially after some of the announcements at Disney Investor Day. This list will exclude WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier since they're right around the corner and this will look at the true future of the MCU.
Armor Wars
The ability to bring stories to Disney+ will allow the MCU to try things that might work better there than on the big screen. One of those is Armor Wars. The arc comes from a seven-issue Iron Man story where Tony Stark's advanced tech falls into the wrong hands.
It's basically Tony's worst nightmares coming true. While the release date and more plot details aren't available, it's still exciting for a few reasons. First, the concept itself is strong but the bigger news is that Don Cheadle will be returning for it as James Rhodes/War Machine.
Ironheart
Not many comic writers in the past two decades have been more influential than Brian Michael Bendis. He rears his head for the MCU here, as he was one of the creators of Ironheart, a character who is getting their own series down the line for Disney+. The story follows Riri Williams, a teenage genius engineering student.
While attending MIT, she uses stolen material to create an incredibly advanced suit of armor. In the comics, Tony Stark endorses her as a superhero, though he's no longer around in the MCU, so a change will come there. All that has been confirmed is that Dominique Thorne will play the protagonist.
Moon Knight
Back at the 2019 D23 Expo, Moon Knight was officially announced. It centers on the character of Marc Spector, better known as the titular Moon Knight. He's a millionaire who uses his wealth to afford the equipment used to fight crime. Oscar Isaac is rumored for the lead role, though nothing was confirmed at Disney Investor Day.
All that Marvel President Kevin Feige really talked about for the series is that there will be a backdrop of Egyptian iconography. That should allow for storytelling in places that haven't been ventured to yet in the MCU. The series is going to be helmed by writer/director Mohamed Diab. It's set for 2022.
The Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special
For the only time on this list, this isn't set to be a series. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is exactly what it sounds like. A Christmas-themed special starring everyone's favorite ragtag team of misfits who travel the galaxy. It almost seems too perfect.
Of course, it wouldn't be this franchise without James Gunn as both the writer and director. After the controversy surrounding him in the past, he is back. Gunn will be behind this special, which is scheduled to be released before Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. There's also the I Am Groot series of Baby Groot shorts to be excited about.
Ms. Marvel
Kamala Khan, better known as Ms. Marvel, has quickly become a popular character. The "Higher, Faster, Further" episode of Marvel's 616 series lays that out in detail. Throw in her appearance in the Marvel's Avengers game and now a Disney+ show and she's everywhere.
Played by Iman Vellani, the show will follow the teenage Pakistani-American from Jersey City who idolizes Carol Danvers and has shape-shifting abilities. It's set to premiere in late 2021 and viewers got a short sizzle reel as a preview. It's interesting to note that the character is also confirmed to appear in Captain Marvel 2.
She-Hulk
One of the characters who fans have wanted to see on the screen for a long time is Jennifer Walters, aka She-Hulk. She is the cousin of Bruce Banner, who ends up with similar superpowers following a blood transfusion from him. Emmy winner Tatiana Maslany is confirmed to play the lead.
There are more reasons for anticipation than just the character and lead actress. Feige said that Walters, a lawyer, specializes in superhero cases and teased that you never know who might show up. Plus, Tim Roth is returning as Abomination for the first time since 2008, while Mark Ruffalo will also be part of the series, which is set to arrive in 2022.
What If...?
This is something totally different for the MCU. What If...? is going to be the first animated entry into the franchise and will deal with a handful of unexpected scenarios that show how differently the MCU could've turned out with just a few surprising changes.
For example, there are episodes that see Peggy Carter with the Super Soldier Serum instead of Steve Rogers and one where T'Challa gets taken by the Ravagers instead of Peter Quill. Jeffrey Wright narrates as The Watcher, while most MCU actors are back to voice their characters. This will premiere in the middle of 2021.
Hawkeye
Hawkeye has always been the member of the original MCU Avengers to get the short end of the deal. With Black Widow getting her own movie, he's finally getting his shine in a Disney+ series. This is set to be influenced by the widely-acclaimed Matt Fraction comic run.
The show will see the debut of Kate Bishop, confirmed to be portrayed by Hailee Steinfeld, as Clint Barton takes her under his wing. The addition of the likes of Vera Farmiga to the cast, as well as the appearance of Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova/Black Widow makes this something special. Hawkeye is set for late 2021.
Loki
As beloved as Loki has become over the years, his upcoming TV show was still a bit behind some others in terms of excitement, mostly due to a lack of details. That totally changed after Disney Investor Day because the trailer was spectacular. It looks like it will be really weird and that's just what it needs.
Tom Hiddleston returns as a cunning Loki following his thievery of the Tessaract in Avengers: Endgame. The trailer indicated that he will be involved in some unique scenarios, get a look at some of his past, and even possibly interact with Heimdall after jumping out of a plane and into the Bifrost. Loki arrives in May 2021.
Secret Invasion
It's telling that this can top the list despite not much being known about it. The Secret Invasion comic arc is one of the biggest crossover events in Marvel history. It focuses on a long-term invasion of Earth by the Skrulls, who have shapeshifted into various important figures, including some heroes.
When the Skrulls showed up in Captain Marvel, fans hoped for a film adaptation. However, the Skrulls ended up as the good guys in that film, which was a surprise. It's also shocking that the story is coming to a Disney+ series and not a film. Ben Mendelsohn and Samuel L. Jackson are confirmed as Talos and Nick Fury, while Feige said this will tie into later feature films.