The Marvel Cinematic Universe has a frustrating sequel obsession and, with the timeline of Phases 5 and 6 now released, the upcoming movies will not break that plan until 2024. 2022 has seen the MCU continue to expand its universe, introducing new characters in TV shows such as Ms. Marvel and Moon Knight. Phases 5 and 6 will see it get even bigger, with the Mutants joining other beloved characters from Marvel Comics including the arrival of the Fantastic Four. The MCU is also expanding its Disney+ range, with spin-offs such as Agatha: Coven of Chaos and Echo exploring new characters from established TV series.

But although new characters are excitingly being introduced throughout the MCU, the next five movies (including Captain America: New World Order) are all sequels. With Blade and other MCU movies being delayed, audiences will be waiting until mid-2024 for the next film that is not a sequel, Thunderbolts. Although audiences enjoy seeing their favorite characters return, it is frustrating to be waiting so long for a new story, especially given that over half of Phase 4 is already made up of sequels. Additionally, with the number of new characters being introduced all at once, it seems a long time for audiences to have to wait.

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Why The MCU's Multiverse Saga Is Mostly Sequels

Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Wong (Benedict Wong), and America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) running from Scarlet Witch in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

The Multiverse Saga follows on from the Blip. The problematic number of sequels allows the MCU to fill the audiences in on how their favorite characters responded to this seismic event while continuing their story arcs. After the main Avengers movies, the characters return to their own worlds and distinct lives which held loose ends, and sequels allow the MCU to tie these up. Also, the Multiverse as a concept is complex, so adding too many new characters could create plot holes or mean that the Multiverse itself is not properly explored, as new-character movies tend to focus more on the protagonist’s personal journeys, rather than the wider MCU links.

From a business point of view too, sequels are better bets in box office gross and audience attendance. The characters are already known and loved, so there is less risk of disappointing performance, as shown by Eternals' mixed reception. Even if the reviews are mediocre, audiences are still keen to follow their beloved characters, as highlighted by Thor: The Dark World​​​​​​. That movie was not the most critically well-received MCU product, but it was successful commercially. Sequels can also be used for crossovers with other MCU characters that become cinematic events almost as big as the Avengers movies, as illustrated by Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Can The MCU's Future Escape Its Sequel Trend?

Natalie Portman as Jane Foster Mighty Thor and Chris Hemsworth as Thor walking together in front of Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie and Taika Waititi as Korg in Thor Love and Thunder

New MCU characters are being introduced in sequels however, such as Xochitl Gomez's America Chavez being introduced in Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness. This allows the MCU to cement fresh personalities into the universe without the financial risk of gearing a film entirely around a new, untested figure. It would be safe to assume they will receive their own movies in time, and the MCU will produce fewer sequels once its newer members to the universe become more of a household name.

The Multiverse Saga has still released, and is releasing, new stories, but they have been finding their format on TV rather than film, such as Ms Marvel. Introducing characters through the Disney+ shows gives the MCU time to develop the characters' story without making the Multiverse Saga too fast-paced or confusing. Phases 5 and 6 do have original films to look forward to too, such as Thunderbolts and Marvel’s Fantastic Four. The Marvel Cinematic Universe will hopefully still produce new movies in the future, but as more and more characters are introduced, it is unlikely they will tone down the sequel focus anytime soon.

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