For the first time since 2009, fans have gone over a year without a new Marvel Cinematic Universe property. That is set to change in a major way with the arrival of some highly-anticipated Disney+ series. The first two on the schedule are WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
They will follow Wanda Maximoff, Vision, Sam Wilson, and Bucky Barnes. Although they're starting the Disney+ string of shows (and there are a lot scheduled down the line), the shows seem wildly different on the surface, especially from the details that have been released so far. Due to that, fan excitement for each series comes from unique aspects.
WandaVision: It Starts Phase Four
The history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been broken down into Phases. The Avengers ended Phase One in 2012, Ant-Man wrapped up Phase Two in 2015, and Phase Three concluded with Spider-Man: Far From Home in 2019. WandaVision is set to officially mark the start of Phase Four.
Considering all of the delays, getting this started is more desired than ever. Phase Four is currently slated to have six feature films and eight Disney+ series. There's a chance WandaVision could not only set the tone for the future but also drastically change it.
Falcon & Winter Soldier: Spy Thriller Vibe
While there hasn't much confirmed about these series, it has been noted that The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will have a vibe similar to Captain America: The Winter Soldier. That remains one of the best entries in the entire MCU, thanks to it feeling like a political thriller with great action.
If this show can keep that tone going, it will be much appreciated. Also, it will be welcome if the series keeps things on a street level of sorts. After the threat of Thanos, keeping things on a smaller scale is the way to go, especially if WandaVision deals with some larger themes.
WandaVision: Powerful Scarlet Witch
When Scarlet Witch debuted in the MCU in Avengers: Age of Ultron, she was pretty unstoppable. The same could be said for Vision. As the films progressed, they were kind of powered down, most likely to make things more interesting and competitive for villains.
However, fans got a glimpse of Wanda's powers again when she nearly single-handedly beat Thanos in Avengers: Endgame. The character has reality-altering abilities, among many other powers. It looks as if she'll be letting out more of it during this series.
Falcon & Winter Soldier: Returning Characters
There are currently three characters set to return for the series. First, there's Batroc the Leaper, who battled Cap at the start of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. He didn't have interaction with Sam and Bucky but the other two do, including Sharon Carter.
She was last seen in Captain America: Civil War, helping Steve, Bucky, and Sam before kissing Steve. Her history with Sam and Bucky is small. The biggest return is Helmut Zemo. He was the main villain in Captain America: Civil War, he manipulated Bucky and helped to break up the Avengers. Fans are excited for his return since he will be donning his famous comic outfit.
WandaVision: Surprising Supporting Characters
Without even getting into the mysterious role that Kathryn Hahn will be playing, WandaVision features a strange few characters. First, there's Darcy Lewis, a political science student who hasn't been around since Thor: The Dark World. There's also Jimmy Woo, an FBI agent who appeared in Ant-Man and The Wasp.
The biggest and most interesting addition is an adult Monica Rambeau, who was seen as a child in Captain Marvel, which was set in the '90s. The thing that makes these additions so unique is that none of them have any connection to Wanda, Vision, or even each other. It'll be intriguing to see where they all fit in.
Falcon & Winter Soldier: Bucky's Mental State
In Captain America: Civil War, Bucky Barnes was able to be brainwashed again when Helmut Zero said a few simple words. He was moved to Wakanda so Shuri could use her smarts and the country's technology to help heal his mind. Judging by his recent appearances, it seems like she succeeded.
That being said, it'll be interesting to see where Bucky's head is at. He was peaceful in Wakanda and then fought in two major battles. This will mark his first reprive and his mind might not be right. Plus, he'll be without Steve Rogers for the first real time. That could take a toll.
WandaVision: Connection To Multiverse Of Madness
There were plenty of fantastic MCU announcements at last year's San Diego Comic-Con. One of the best was that the Doctor Strange sequel would be subtitled The Multiverse of Madness. With Sam Raimi directing and it being confirmed as a horror film, it'll certainly be unique.
On top of all of that, it was confirmed that Elizabeth Olsen will be appearing as Wanda in it. That has led to all sorts of theories about how she will impact the multiverse leading into that film. That alone is enough to make this series must-see television.
Falcon & Winter Soldier: Sam As Cap
At the end of Avengers: Endgame, an elderly Steve Rogers handed over his famous shield to Sam, giving him the reins of the Captain America mantle. Many believed it would be Bucky but Sam is a good pick and it makes for something that will be interesting to see.
You can imagine that these are huge shoes to fill and that could get to Sam. Can he live up to Steve Rogers? How does he make the moniker his own? You also have to assume Bucky will be helping him out. The biggest question might be how the public reacts to him in a role that was previously held by someone who wasn't always on the side of the government.
WandaVision: It's Unique
The trailer for WandaVision left viewers with all sorts of questions, theories, and expectations. While it didn't answer much, it confirmed at least one thing. This is going to be far different from anything seen in the MCU to point because it looks so trippy.
There are times when it seems like Wanda has thrust herself and Vision into a sitcom from the '60s. Then, it looks like it transitions to the '80s. There are babies, a military compound seemingly outside of the town, and more, yet none of it lines up right now. Some have complained that the MCU properties often feels too similar to each other but that won't be the case with WandaVision.
Falcon & Winter Soldier: Bucky & Sam's Chemistry
Captain America: The First Avenger introduced Bucky as Steve's childhood best friend. He was thought to be dead and then Steve met Sam Wilson, who became his new buddy. By the time Captain America: Civil War came around, the two were on the same side and it led to some great scenes.
There's a sense of a playful rivalry here. One minute the two are bickering about their seats in a car only to both give similar looks to Steve when he kissed Sharon. They're different, yet alike. Their banter while fighting Spider-Man in Civil War was also delightful. Regardless of what the plot is for the series, it'll be a blast to simply watch these two interact.