Most Anticipated MCU Films
A couple of weeks ago, I posted my most anticipated MCU TV series. With today’s release of the incredible Shang-Chi teaser, I have decided to rank my most anticipated MCU Films.
REMINDER: I have never read a comic book before.
- Shang-Chi
After today’s trailer release, this has shot up to number one even though we have only seen footage of one other announced MCU film. My biggest concern with the film before the trailer release was how the action was handled. Shang-Chi’s character is predominately focused on martial arts. Director Destin Cretton is a fine director. However, he has never directed anything close to the level of action in this film. I was enthusiastic when they hired Scott Pilgrim vs. The World & Spider-Man 2 cinematographer Bill Pope and Moonlight editor Nat Sanders. After watching the trailer, the action was handled beautifully and the choreography was phenomenal. The premise of the film also is intriguing.
2. Black Widow
The most intriguing element about this film is learning more about Natasha Romanoff’s story. She is the most mysterious and intriguing figure of all the OG6 Avengers. I am also happy Scarlett Johansson is involved behind the scenes. I am also intrigued to see some of the action sequences. They got brilliant actors in David Harbour, Rachel Weisz, and Florence Pugh to be a part of the film.
3. Eternals
Chloe Zhao is on her way to win Best Director at next week’s Oscars. According to Zhao, this film will be shot differently than most MCU films, uses natural lighting, and shoots on location. That is what is most intriguing, it is how different it will be from most MCU films. When Feige and Co. take a risk (Guardians) on a little-known property, it pays off. Another intriguing element is the stacked cast assembled. I never thought I would see Angelina Jolie in an MCU film. I am also thrilled to see Gemma Chan, Brian Tyree Henry, and Kumail Nanjiani in the film.
4. Fantastic Four
It is apt that I put Fantastic Four at the number four slot. I cannot wait to see a good adaptation of these pillar characters.
5. Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness
There is one reason this is high on my list: the return of Sam Raimi. Sam Raimi directed arguably one of the best CBM trilogies of all time and one of the best superhero films of all-time (Spidey 2). I am also intrigued to see Wanda’s arc and the return of Doctor Strange (who was an absolute highlight in Infinity War).
6. Spider-Man No Way Home
I am excited to potentially see Tobey, Andrew, Jamie’s Electro, and Alfred’s Doc-Ok. However, I am nervous that they will ruin Alfred, Tobey, and Andrew’s character arcs since these are not new iterations of the characters. I am obviously fine with redoing Jamie’s Electro arc as that was a horrible adaptation of the villain that wasted Foxx’s incredible talents. I am hopeful that this film finally breaks free of Ironman being responsible for every villain Peter faces. That is a major reason why Watts’s iteration of the character is not superior in any way to the Raimi trilogy. I am excited to see Peter and MJ.
7. Black Panther II
Due to Chadwick’s sudden and heartbreaking passing, this film will be a complete change from what Ryan and the studio intitally intended. I will miss seeing Chadwick’s T’Challa on the screen. He became my favorite character in the MCU due to his gracefulness, patience, determination, and thought process. I understand choosing not to recast him. I want to see Shuri take the mantle. I also want to learn more about W’Kabi and M’Baku. I want to also learn more about the Dora Milaje and other tribes.
8. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
I am excited to see how the presence of Cassie Lang leads to the Young Avengers. I am also thrilled with the casting of Jonathan Majors as the villain. I did not like the first Antman film. However, the second was a massive upgrade in all facets.
9. Thor: Love and Thunder
Thor: Ragnarok was a top 10 MCU film and a lot of that has to do with Taika Waititi’s balls to the walls vision that upgraded not just the Thor franchise but the character of Thor. While Hulk’s character progression has gotten weaker, Thor’s has gotten better. This film, according to Waititi will be more over the top than Ragnarok. I cannot wait to see that and his incredible portrayal of Korg. I also am excited to see what role the Guardians have and Natalie Portman’s return (hopefully in a much better role).
10. Deadpool 3
I am excited that this is Rated R and Ryan Reynolds is heavily involved like he was on the previous two installments. Deadpool 2 was a massive upgrade over the first Deadpool and I cannot wait to see the great fourth-wall breaking in this film now he is a member of the Disney family.
11. Blade: The Vampire Slayer
Mahershala Ali is perfect casting for the titular character. I am excited to see how the MCU handles vampires. This will increase on the list with the hiring of a director.
12. Guardians 3
I loved Guardians 2 and I cannot wait to see how James Gunn closes his trilogy. I love his unique style with the soundtrack and action sequences. This film is not higher not because of Gunn or the Guardians, but because I am more enthused about all the movies above.
*******************LONG GAP***********************************
13. Captain Marvel 2
Captain Marvel was a bottom-tier MCU film for me. I am excited that Feige realized a problem and swapped out the director and writer for new ones. There is only one writer compared to the three who wrote the previous installment. The lackluster first film is the reason this is so low. I am excited to see Monica and Kamala’s arcs continue from their TV shows.