Four new Marvel Cinematic Universe movies are reportedly in development, and here's what they mean for Phase 5 and beyond. Despite recent delays to many Phase 4 projects, Marvel Studios isn't slowing down plans to build out its slate. The latest reports point to Thunderbolts, Nova, Shang-Chi 2, and World War Hulk moving forward as MCU Phase 5 movies (Fantastic Four was already confirmed last year). These potential films should build off the established MCU canon in meaningful ways and play important roles in what comes next.

Development on these new MCU movies isn't terribly surprising, as several of them have been rumored for quite some time. However, they now join a robust slate of MCU content that will extend into Phase 5 at this point. Marvel is in the middle of its Phase 4 plans with Eternals and Spider-Man: No Way Home slated for release before the end of 2021. Meanwhile, the upcoming MCU movie lineup in 2022 includes sequels led by Doctor Strange and Thor, as well several Wakandans getting more significant roles in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The MCU's movie slate continues in 2023 with The Marvels, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and movies for Sam Wilson's Captain America, Blade, and Deadpool are also coming.

Related: Every Phase 4 MCU Movie In Development

The addition of Thunderbolts, Nova, Shang-Chi 2, and World War Hulk as MCU Phase 5 movies provides a better idea of what the future holds for the sprawling universe. Connections can be formed between the upcoming films and other Phase 4 titles by looking specifically at each of them. Nova can build off the events of Guardians of the Galaxy 3, especially if Richard Rider appears, and expand the cosmic side of MCU Phase 5. World War Hulk could be a massive Hulk-centric property that is set in motion by She-Hulk. Shang-Chi 2 clearly will continue Shang-Chi's story after Wong's recruitment and possibly appearing in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Meanwhile, Thunderbolts might be happening now as a way to spin off events from Captain America 4 or continue Deadpool's MCU journey.

Nova at the center of the Annihilation war.

In the grand scheme of the MCU, these new movies also tease pieces of the overall story Kevin Feige and the Marvel Studios team are crafting. Each of them presents Marvel with the opportunity to introduce new characters in Phase 5, such as Richard Rider in Nova or Iron Fist in Shang-Chi 2, who can play prominent roles moving forward. Furthermore, a project like Nova could be a chance for Marvel to plant seeds for the Annihilation Wave, which could join World War Hulk as massive MCU Phase 5 crossover events. The connectivity between these new MCU movies remains to be seen as the order in which they'll arrive isn't known. However, it's easy to imagine something like Thunderbolts paving the way for World War Hulk. This could even all be part of Marvel Studios' plan to adapt the Dark Reign and Siege comic events, which came shortly after Hulk's rampage and saw the Thunderbolts play a prominent role and could feature Shang-Chi, Nova, and other MCU heroes.

Another clear takeaway from the upcoming MCU Phase 5 movies is how they stay true to Marvel's desire to expand the universe after the Infinity Saga. These new MCU movies can exist in their own corners of the universe and take on very different movie genres. Nova is cosmic, Shang-Chi 2 is mystical, Thunderbolts is grounded, and World War Hulk can be more science-based. This variety is an excellent way for Marvel Studios to keep pumping out MCU content but make sure audiences don't become fatigued. As is usually the case with looking ahead to the MCU's plans years from now, the bigger picture will be more clear as more movies and Disney+ TV shows are released.

More: The MCU Just Teased A New Avengers Team For Phase 5

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