The Walt Disney Company CEO suggests that next year's Avengers 4 might not be the last Avengers movie audiences see from Marvel Studios. Anthony and Joe Russo's highly-anticipated Avengers: Infinity War finally released about two weeks ago and has taken the world by storm. It broke the U.S. opening weekend record without breaking a sweat and then went on to set the worldwide opening record as well, topping Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Fate of the Furious, respectively.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe started 10 years ago with Jon Favreau's Iron Man and, throughout its many twists and turns, it has been building up to an ultimate showdown between the Earth's Mightiest Heroes and the Mad Titan Thanos, which finally came to a head in this year's Infinity War. The movie united the Avengers with the Guardians of the Galaxy, while also leaving room for other characters to shine as well, such as Doctor Strange. And judging by Avengers 3's cliffhanger ending, there's a lot for audiences to look forward to with 2019's Avengers 4, which will fully conclude the MCU's first saga - but that won't be the last Avengers movie ever.

Disney CEO Bob Iger addressed the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a recent earnings call (via THR), in which he briefly discussed the franchise's future beyond Phase 3. While he refrained from revealing any specifics, Iger did seem to indicate that there will be more Avengers movies down the line, post-Avengers 4. He said: "Given the popularity of the characters and given the popularity of the franchise, I don't think people should conclude there will never be another Avengers movie."

Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, Hawkeye, Thor, and Black Widow in The Avengers

Of course, while Avengers 4 will conclude the narrative that started with Joss Whedon's first Avengers film from 2012, it would be foolish of Disney to let go of what is one of the most profitable movie properties in film history. As comic book readers know all too well, the Avengers team doesn't just revolve around Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, and Thor; there are many, many more characters that have come and gone from the superhero team over the years - and audiences will start to see that on screen in Phase 4 and beyond.

The Russos' Avengers 4 will place the core Avengers team in the spotlight, but after that, new characters like Ant-Man, The Wasp, Captain Marvel, Spider-Man, and more, will have their time at the forefront of the MCU. After all, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige recently admitted that he doesn't know when the MCU will truly end (if it ever does; just look at James Bond and such). There's plenty of room for growth in the MCU, and team-up movies like the Avengers will always be around for new heroes to shine in.

More: Avengers 4: Every Update You Need To Know

Source: Bob Iger (via THR)

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