Most Anticipated MCU TV Projects
MAJOR CLARIFICATION: I have never picked up and read a comic book in my life.
TV
- Untitled Wakanda Series
Ryan Coogler being involved is all it took for this show to be #1. Black Panther is a top 3 MCU film for me. I am excited at the possibility to explore more of the tribes in the series and how it ties into the MCU.
2. Moon Knight
The character of Marc Spector sounds unique due to his multiple personalities. Marvel hired directors in Mohamed Diab and the directing duo of Benson/Moorhead who both lean into very dramatic material. They hired a very talented actor in Oscar Isaac to play the titular actor. What makes this show #2 on the list is the hiring of one of the best actors of this generation in Ethan Hawke as the villain. They hired and convinced Hawke to play the villain even after criticizing superhero films.
3. Hawkeye
Hawkeye is a very underrated character. I loved the arc Clint had in Endgame and the fight scene in Japan against Akihoto is one of my favorite scenes in the MCU. A big reason this is #3 is that the show will showcase more of the Ronin persona we saw in Tokyo. I also was thrilled with the casting of Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop. Steinfeld along with Zendaya is one of the best young actresses on the planet. I am also intrigued with the Native American representation on the show and how Barton’s hearing loss plays a role in the show.
3. Loki
I was not intrigued with Loki until I saw the trailer and Loki portraying DB Cooper. I am interested to see which events Loki alters in the timeline and how it all factors into the Doctor Strange sequel. The synopsis says Loki will eventually be trapped in his own “crime thriller”. Crime Thrillers are one of my favorite genres. I am also interested in learning about Loki more.
4. Ms. Marvel
Coming of age is my favorite genre and I am interested to see how Marvel Studios will handle a coming-of-age story of a superhero in six hours. As a Desi, I am excited to see some of the family dynamics in the show. Marvel Studios hired incredible directors for this series who make great content.
5. Armor Wars
James Rhodes has been 3 Avengers films, a Captain America film, and 3 Ironman Films and has been relegated as a background and sidekick. I am excited to learn more about him and I enjoy Don Cheadle’s portrayal of the character.
6. Ironheart
Similar to Ms. Marvel, I am mainly interested in the young superhero aspect of this stretched over a six-hour period. I am also happy that Marvel Studios casting director, Sarah Finn, was confident enough in her show’s lead, Dominique Thorne to cast her without an audition. Finn played a large role in the entire casting of the MCU and has been an underrated reason for Marvel Studios’ success.
7. The Falcon & The Winter Soldier
As War Machine, I am interested in learning about Bucky and Sam. I like the last trailer released yesterday and the banter between Bucky and Sam. I believe this show will do a good job of balancing the comedy and the dramatic moments. I also believe this show will fully flesh out these two former background characters the way WandaVision did. The reason this is lower on the list is that I have more of a yearning to learn more about Rhodey and Clint. Another reason is my love of the coming-of-age genre and the genres of Moon Knight & Loki.
8. The Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special
The Guardians are the perfect group for Marvel Studios to make a holiday special about. I feel like the Star Wars nerd in Kevin Feige is making this special to avenge the atrocity that was the Star Wars Holiday Specials. I am thrilled that James Gunn is writing and directing this with the entire cast returning. This also gives them more of an opportunity to explore these characters.
9. Secret Invasion
This series will immediately shoot up to #2 if superheroes join the show. This is probably unlikely due to contractual obligations but will be a pleasant surprise. Kevin Feige made it a point that this Marvel’s top crossover event outside of Civil War. I am not sure how Fury, his team of agents, and possibly Talos will be enough to stop a sect of Skrulls from infiltrating society. The bright spots about this show are the possibility of learning more about Nick Fury and the casting of Kingsley Ben-Adir as the villain.
10. She-Hulk
The castings stick out to me the most due to Tim Roth, Mark Ruffalo, and Tatiana Maslany as the titular character. Feige hinted at superheroes popping in for brief cameos due to Jenn Walters being a lawyer. I am uncertain whether this premise will be intriguing enough to keep tuning in every week. What role do Hulk and Abomination play on the show? Will it be a half-comedy, half-action? I am not sure how the comedic part will tie into Hulk and She-Hulk teaming up to possibly fight Abomination. Another big concern for me is whether the show will focus on She-Hulk or Hulk. I do not want this show to entirely be about the Hulk (that would be a good way to get around Universal) due to the presence of She-Hulk in the title. I hope this show surprises me (it probably will).
11. What If?
The animation looks amazing and I am thrilled that they got most of the actors to reprise their roles. I have pondered a lot of the potential scenarios such as what if Killmonger ruled Wakanda? However, I do not think I want to watch it play out on TV. I would rather let my imagination ponder the scenarios. These episodes have no connection to the MCU and feel like a waste.