Marvel extended universe (MEU)[]
Tagline: “A new saga of heroes, forged in legacy, divided by destiny.”
📖 Universe Overview:[]
The MEU is a bold, alternate reimagining of Marvel’s legendary characters and events. This saga begins in 2007 with Iron Man’s second great battle, skips many origin stories, and integrates Marvel’s iconic teams like the X-Men and Fantastic Four from the very start.
In this universe, legendary heroes like Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne remain active, Thor’s mythic destiny ends in heroic sacrifice, and the Civil War tears the hero community apart in devastating fashion — all while cosmic and otherworldly threats loom in the shadows.
The MEU champions faithful adaptations of classic comic storylines like Avengers vs. X-Men, Secret Invasion, and Civil War while building to a future where the next generation of heroes, including the Young Avengers, must pick up the shattered pieces of their world.
This is a saga where legacies matter, villains evolve, and heroism comes at a price.
🌟 Key Universe Features:[]
- The Original Ant-Man & Wasp are active leaders and founders of the Avengers.
- Pym creates Ultron, leading to one of the most devastating battles.
- X-Men are integrated early and become central to the greater narrative.
- Skrulls have been manipulating humanity since Iron Man 3, with their plot unfolding across multiple phases.
- Thor sacrifices himself in Ragnarok, marking one of the universe’s most heroic deaths.
- Civil War is a comic-accurate, ideological clash started by a tragic New Warriors incident.
- Fantastic Four are core players with Franklin Richards’ birth signaling future cosmic-level threats.
- Legacy characters like Patriot, Wiccan, Speed, and Kate Bishop rise in Phase 5 to lead a fractured world.
- Multiversal teases and cosmic horrors loom beyond Secret Invasion, hinting at grander threats to come.
Phase 1:
| Year | Title | RT Critic | RT Audience | Budget | Box Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Iron man | 91% | 94% | $140M | $685M | Raft breakout, Whiplash & Stane |
| 2007 | Ant-man and the wasp | 86% | 90% | $130M | $460M | Pym and Janet active |
| 2008 | Captain America origins | 88% | 91% | $150M | $590M | WWII adventure, Cap frozen |
| 2009 | Thor | 83% | 87% | $165M | $620M | Loki’s intro, cosmic start |
| 2011 | Avengers Assemble | 95% | 96% | $220M | $1.25B | Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Pym, Wasp |
| 2011 | Uncanny X-Men | 89% | 93% | $150M | $710M | OG 5 X-Men, Magneto villain |
Phase 2:
| Year | Title | RT Critic | RT Audience | Budget | Box Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Spider-Man | 90% | 94% | $140M | $780M | Spider-Man’s street-level debut vs. rhino |
| 2013 | Iron Man 2 | 75% | 78% | $180M | $700M | Justin Hammer as sole villain |
| 2014 | Fantastic 4 | 80% | 85% | $170M | $660M | Doom makes his first appearance |
| 2014 | Avengers age of Ultron | 88% | 91% | $250M | $1.4B | Pym creates Ultron, Vision debuts, twins join |
| 2015 | Captain America winter soldier | 97% | 96% | $175M | $950M | Spy thriller tone, Bucky returns |
| 2015 | The astonishing X-Men | 88% | 92% | $160M | $720M | Wolverine, Rogue join, Scarlet Witch turns |
| 2016 | Ant man and the wasp 2 | 81% | 84% | $140M | $610M | More Quantum Realm adventures |
Phase 3:
| Year | Title | RT Critit | RT Audience | Budget | Box Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Spider-man 2 | 88% | 91% | $160M | $840M | Spider-Man vs. Scorpion |
| 2016 | Black Panther | 96% | 95% | $180M | $1.2B | Wakanda’s debut, Killmonger introduced |
| 2017 | Iron man 3 | 84% | 86% | $200M | $910M | Mandarin revealed, Skrull tease |
| 2017 | X-Men last stand | 89% | 90% | $180M | $780M | Gambit, Storm, Cable join team |
| 2018 | Doctor Strange | 91% | 90% | $165M | $890M | Mystical MEU opens up |
| 2018 | Avengers vs X-Men | 95% | 97% | $260M | $1.6B | Epic conflict, mutant-human tensions erupt |
| 2018 | Avengers secret invasion part 1 | 89% | 90% | $240M | $1.3B | Skrull war begins |
| 2019 | Avengers secret invasion part 2 | 91% | 92% | $270M | $2.1B | Final battle, cosmic ramifications |
phase 4:
| Year | Title | RT Critic | RT Audience | Budget | Box Office / Views | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Spider-man 3 | 89% | 93% | $175M | $1.09B | Sinister Six clash |
| 2020 | Fantastic 4: First Steps | 83% | 86% | $160M | $680M | Franklin Richards is born |
| 2020 | Hawkeye | 84% | 87% | $85M | 3.2M avg viewers/ep | Clint Barton’s backstory explored |
| 2021 | New Warriors | 80% | 85% | $90M | 2.7M avg viewers/ep | Civil War trigger team |
| 2021 | Captain America: Serpent Order | 90% | 92% | $180M | $870M | Steve, Bucky, Falcon, Patriot introduced |
| 2021 | Ant man and the wasp 3 | 85% | 88% | $150M | $710M | Goliath and Scott Lang debut |
| 2022 | Thor Ragnarok | 95% | 94% | $210M | $1.15B | Thor’s final battle & death |
| 2022 | Civil War | 96% | 97% | $270M | $2.10B | Comic-accurate war, New Warriors spark conflict |
phase 5:
| Year | Title | RT Critic | RT Audience | Budget | Box Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Young Avengers | 89% | 91% | $190M | $880M | Patriot, Wiccan, Speed, Kate Bishop and cassie lang teamup |
| 2023 | Cyclops | 75% | 88% | $160M | $620M | Solo Scott Summers story, mutant tensions rising |
| 2024 | X-Force | 90% | 93% | $200M | $970M | Violent black ops mutant squad led by Cable |
| 2024 | Deadpool | 96% | 94% | $120M | $850M | R-rated chaos, 4th wall breaks, references the MEU |
| 2025 | Miles Morales: Spider-Man | 91% | 95% | $175M | $1.05B | Miles debuts as NYC’s new Spider-Man mentored by peter |
| 2025 | Iron Lad | 86% | 89% | $180M | $730M | Young Kang variant, time-travel crisis unfolds |
Phase 6:
| Project | Release Year | Rotten Tomatoes (%) | Audience Score (%) | Budget ($M) | Box Office ($M) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X-Men: House of M | 2025 | 91% | 94% | $210M | $950M |
| Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness | 2026 | 89% | 91% | $200M | $880M |
| Beta Ray Bill (Show) | 2026 | 88% | 90% | $150M | N/A (Show) |
| West Coast Avengers (Show) | 2026 | 84% | 86% | $160M | N/A (Show) |
| Miles Morales: Spider-Man 2 | 2026 | 90% | 93$ | $190M | $970M |
| Iron Lad: Kang Dynasty | 2027 | 92% | 95% | $220M | $1.5B |
| Deadpool 2 | 2027 | 87% | 90% | $180M | 930M |
| X-Force: Blood Days | 2027 | 85% | 89% | $200M | 890M |
| Iron Man: Armor Wars | 2027 | 88% | 92% | $190M | 910M |
phase 7:
| # | Title | Year | RT Score | Audience Score | Budget | Box Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Patriot | 2028 | 83% | 87% | $140M | $580M | Breakout for Eli Bradley. Political thriller tone. Kang tease. |
| 2 | Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse | 2028 | 93% | 95% | $200M | $1.25B | Massive multiversal hit. Peter,Miles, Gwen, Noir, Ham and more. |
| 3 | Fantastic Four: : Annihilus | 2029 | 79% | 85% | $220M | $840M | Franklin’s powers awaken. |
| 4 | West Coast Avengers (S2) | 2029 | 80% | 83% | $105M (season) | Streaming | War Machine leads. Skrulls & AI threat. Mockingbird & Wonder Man. |
| 5 | Wiccan and Speed (Series) | 2029 | 85% | 88% | $100M (season) | Streaming | Magic-heavy. Scarlet Witch & Strange cameos. Hood as villain. |
| 6 | Spider-Gwen (Series) | 2029 | 86% | 90% | $100M (season) | Streaming | Multiversal ties to Spider-Verse. Miles cameo. |
| 7 | Avengers: Kang Dynasty | 2029 | 87% | 89% | $300M | $2.20B | Major event film. Patriot’s death. Multiverse fractures again. |
| 8 | X-Force: No More | 2030 | 81% | 86% | $180M | $700M | Darker tone. X-Force disbands. Deadpool tease to Secret Wars. |
| 9 | Deadpool 3 | 2030 | 88% | 93% | $150M | $920M | Fourth-wall insanity. Beyonder tease. Cameos galore. |
| 10 | Avengers: Secret Wars | 2030 | 91% | 95% | $350M | $2.30B | God Emperor Doom. Multiverse Battleworld. |
MEU Phase 1: Behind the Scenes & Public Reception[]
📅 2007–2011[]
The MEU (Marvel Extended Universe) kicked off in 2007 with a bold move: launching Iron Man not as an origin story, but throwing audiences directly into Tony Stark’s life as an established hero. The film leaned into breakout action sequences and a villain team-up between Whiplash and Obadiah Stane. The addition of Hank Pym's Ant-Man and a Wasp cameo created early buzz for a wider interconnected universe.
Audiences were intrigued. The lack of a traditional origin story felt fresh, and fans praised Robert Downey Jr.’s performance while early critics wondered if skipping backstories would alienate casual viewers. It didn't — Iron Man became a sleeper hit, earning solid box office numbers and strong word of mouth.
🎞️ Key Behind-the-Scenes Highlights:[]
- Ant-Man and the Wasp (2007) followed quickly, showcasing classic Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne as active heroes — a conscious decision by producers to avoid the “retired hero” trope. Peyton Reed directed with a lighter tone, and while it wasn’t a mega-hit, it solidified faith in the universe’s depth.
- Captain America: Origins (2008) intentionally embraced pulp WWII aesthetics, with heavy practical effects, period sets, and a buddy-hero dynamic between Cap and Bucky. Chris Evans’ casting was met with skepticism but quickly won over fans with a sincere, old-school hero performance. The tragic ending hit audiences hard, becoming a defining moment for the franchise.
- Thor (2009) brought in a riskier mythic-fantasy element. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the movie leaned on Shakespearean drama with modern humor. Audiences enjoyed Hemsworth’s charismatic debut, though critics were split on tonal shifts.
- Avengers Assemble (2011) was a make-or-break project. Kevin Feige's bold choice to skip Captain America in favor of the established core (Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man, Wasp) raised eyebrows. Early trailers blew up online, and the film’s team dynamics and bombastic Loki showdown paid off huge. It closed Phase 1 on a thunderous note.
- Uncanny X-Men (2011) was a separate gamble. Not only did it introduce mutants into the MEU after the Avengers formed, but it also set a mature, philosophical tone with Magneto as a complex antagonist. Wolverine’s post-credits tease brought theaters to life, igniting anticipation for mutant-driven stories.
PHASE ONE (2007–2011)[]
Behind the Scenes:
- Kicked off in 2007 with Iron Man, NOT an origin but a breakout thriller with villains escaping The Raft.
- Ant-Man & The Wasp was a surprise hit, with audiences loving the science-heavy action.
- Captain America: Origins went full period war film with a classic pulp tone.
- Thor was a Shakespearean fantasy epic, shot in Norway and New Zealand.
- Avengers Assemble in 2011 was the first modern superhero team-up movie, beating real-world MCU’s Avengers by a year.
- Uncanny X-Men brought mutants into the fold and audiences loved the Magneto/Charles dynamic.
Fun Facts:
- Iron Man’s Raft breakout was inspired by a scrapped Ant-Man draft.
- Ant-Man & The Wasp’s shrinking sequences were practical effects mixed with early CGI.
- Loki’s end-credits tease started UMCU’s post-credit scene tradition.
- Uncanny X-Men originally had Wolverine as a main character but was cut for budget reasons.
- Hulk was supposed to have a film but cut cause of budget.
- The Raft Breakout Scene in Iron Man (2007) took 3 weeks to shoot. It involved over 50 stunt performers, practical explosions, and a single-take hallway fight inspired by Oldboy. Fun Fact: Robert Downey Jr. improvised the line “Did I leave the oven on?” while dodging laser blasts.
- Hank Pym’s Ant-Man suit was originally bright red. Test audiences laughed at it, so it was reworked to a sleeker metallic burgundy and silver.
- Stan Lee’s original cameo idea for Avengers Assemble (2011) was as a high-ranking SHIELD agent who accidentally blows up the Helicarrier vending machine. It was cut but exists in early storyboards.
🎬 Public & Critical Reception:[]
| 2007 | Iron man | 91% | 94% | $140M | $685M | Raft breakout, Whiplash & Stane |
| 2007 | Ant-man and the wasp | 86% | 90% | $130M | $460M | Pym and Janet active |
| 2008 | Captain America origins | 88% | 91% | $150M | $590M | WWII adventure, Cap frozen |
| 2009 | Thor | 83% | 87% | $165M | $620M | Loki’s intro, cosmic start |
| 2011 | Avengers Assemble | 95% | 96% | $220M | $1.25B | Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Pym, Wasp |
| 2011 | Uncanny X-Men | 89% | 93% | $150M | $710M | OG 5 X-Men, Magneto villain |
🔥 Legacy:[]
Phase 1 was considered a risky but revolutionary debut slate. The decision to forgo origin stories in most cases and start with active heroes was both praised and questioned early on — but the gamble paid off. Audiences responded to character chemistry, interconnected stories, and bold cliffhangers. Critics admired the ambition, and the groundwork was laid for a sprawling saga.
PHASE 2 ( 2012-2016)[]
2012–2016[]
After Phase 1’s smash success, Phase 2 saw the MEU expand its scope — both in terms of character diversity and narrative stakes. New fan-favorites like Spider-Man and Black Panther joined the universe while existing characters faced tougher threats and internal conflicts. The tone matured while still embracing a classic comic-book feel.
🎞️ Key Behind-the-Scenes Highlights:[]
- Spider-Man (2012) introduced Peter Parker into the MEU, with studio heads determined to capture the youthful, humorous vibe of the comics. Dylan O'Brien was cast as Peter — a move praised for authenticity. Rhino was chosen as a grounded first villain. The movie struck a perfect balance between fun and heart, becoming a smash hit.
- Iron Man 2 (2013) was designed as a lighter follow-up to Avengers, with Justin Hammer as a smarmy, corporate rival to Tony Stark. Though not as emotionally charged, the film kept audiences entertained and set up future conflicts.
- Fantastic Four (2014) brought Marvel’s first family into the fold. The studio insisted on a bright, optimistic tone after seeing Fox’s darker takes. Casting fresh faces paid off, and the visual spectacle of Doctor Doom’s showdown won audiences back.
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2014) was a monumental project. Notably, Hank Pym remained Ultron’s creator here, — honoring classic comics lore. The introduction of Vision, Quicksilver, and Scarlet Witch was carefully plotted, with major storylines mapped for future films. Massive set pieces and moral dilemmas elevated the sequel, which slightly divided critics but thrilled fans.
- Captain America: Winter Soldier (2015) reinvented Cap as a modern-day hero wrestling with government conspiracies and his past. Bucky’s return as the Winter Soldier shocked audiences. The Russo brothers’ directorial debut in the EMU earned widespread acclaim for its gritty, espionage-inspired tone.
- The Astonishing X-Men (2015) deepened mutant world-building. Wolverine officially joined the team alongside Rogue. Scarlet Witch’s defection to Magneto’s Brotherhood built narrative tension for future films. Audiences loved the expanded mutant roster and evolving conflicts.
- Ant-Man and the Wasp 2 (2016) lightened things up before the next major arc,keeping Hank and Janet active leads. The studio’s insistence on retaining the Pym legacy while growing a new generation was celebrated by longtime fans.
| Year | Title | RT Critic | RT Audience | Budget | Box Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Spider-Man | 90% | 94% | $140M | $780M | Spider-Man’s street-level debut vs. rhino |
| 2013 | Iron Man 2 | 75% | 78% | $180M | $700M | Justin Hammer as sole villain |
| 2014 | Fantastic 4 | 80% | 85% | $170M | $660M | Doom makes his first appearance |
| 2014 | Avengers age of Ultron | 88% | 91% | $250M | $1.4B | Pym creates Ultron, Vision debuts, twins join |
| 2015 | Captain America winter soldier | 97% | 96% | $175M | $950M | Spy thriller tone, Bucky returns |
| 2015 | The astonishing X-Men | 88% | 92% | $160M | $720M | Wolverine, Rogue join, Scarlet Witch turns |
| 2016 | Ant man and the wasp 2 | 81% | 84% | $140M | $610M | More Quantum Realm adventures |
Legacy:[]
Phase 2 cemented the EMU as a superhero juggernaut. Its boldest choice — keeping classic characters like Hank Pym, actively expanding mutant stories alongside Avengers lore, and avoiding copy-pasting the real-world MCU’s beats — earned fan respect.
Standouts like Winter Soldier and Spider-Man became instant classics, while Age of Ultron delivered the big event sequel pressure with mostly positive results. The growing presence of mutants, Inhumans references, and teases of cosmic threats laid groundwork for even bigger arcs in Phase 3.
Fans and critics admired the studio’s brave character decisions (like Hank Pym still as Ant-Man, Wanda as a volatile rogue, and an early Spider-Man) while praising the interconnected, classic comic book vibe that didn’t shy away from emotional stakes.
Behind the Scenes:
- Iron Man 2 became known for Justin Hammer’s hilariously awkward attempts to copy Stark.
- Fantastic Four revamped Marvel’s first family with an adventurous, cosmic tone.
- Age of Ultron controversially had Hank Pym — not Stark — create Ultron.
- Winter Soldier shifted the MCU into espionage thriller mode.
- Astonishing X-Men saw Scarlet Witch leave Magneto mid-film in a huge twist.
- Ant-Man & The Wasp 2 introduced time travel concepts.
Fun Facts:
- Ultron was voiced by Bryan Cranston in early drafts.
- Fantastic Four was the first UMCU film with a fully CGI villain (Doom).
- Winter Soldier’s Bucky death reveal was kept secret from test audiences.
- Astonishing X-Men’s Rogue/Wolverine scene was improvised.
- Justin Hammer’s dance in Iron Man 2 (2013) was entirely improvised by Sam Rockwell. The crew couldn’t keep a straight face, and it became a fan-favorite meme scene.
- The X-Men costumes in Astonishing X-Men (2015) took cues from both the 90s animated series and modern comics.
Phase 3[]
EMU Phase 3: Behind the Scenes & Public Reception[]
📅 2016–2019[]
Phase 3 was the most ambitious chapter yet — loaded with character debuts, world-shifting events, and the first full-blown hero vs hero conflicts. It brought together beloved fan-favorites and daring new faces, capturing both old-school comic readers and blockbuster fans alike. Behind the scenes, Phase 3 marked a creative peak for the UMCU, with directors and writers getting bolder while still honoring classic comics.
🎞️ Key Behind-the-Scenes Highlights:[]
- Spider-Man 2 (2016) Scorpion was chosen as the villain to showcase a mix of emotional stakes and blockbuster spectacle. Tanner reprised his Peter Parker role, and critics praised the film’s darker tone compared to the previous Spidey outing.
- Black Panther (2016) had high expectations and delivered big. The studio doubled down on Afrofuturist visuals and regal, complex characters. Chadwick Boseman’s performance as T’Challa stunned audiences, while Kraven was hailed as one of the universe’s strongest villains to date.
- Iron Man 3 (2017) pivoted toward a more personal, paranoid story with The Mandarin. The studio committed to a faithful, non-twist version of the character, casting Ken Watanabe for gravitas. The post-credit tease of Skrulls sparked massive fan theories.
- X-Men the last stand (2017) expanded the mutant roster even more with Gambit, Storm, and Cable. With action-packed set pieces and character drama, it maintained the X-Men series’ strong reputation. Wolverine continued as a grizzled mentor, with new dynamics forming between old and new team members.
- Doctor Strange (2018) was a long-anticipated mystical entry. Benedict Cumberbatch took the role, and director Scott Derrickson leaned heavily into psychedelic visuals and metaphysical threats. The film was praised for its creativity, mind-bending action sequences, and unique villain Dormammu.
- Avengers vs X-Men (2018) was a bold crossover event. The movie tackled rising mutant tensions and conflicting hero ideologies in a sprawling, emotionally charged showdown. Audiences ate up the rivalries, with particular praise for Scarlet Witch’s torn loyalties and Cyclops’ rise as a leading voice for mutants.
- Avengers: Secret Invasion Part 1 & 2 (2018-2019) marked the largest undertaking in the UMCU so far. The two-part cosmic saga dealt with paranoia, betrayal, and long-simmering character arcs. Featuring surprise Skrull reveals and emotional team fractures, the finale set up a dangerous new status quo for Phase 4. The production involved multiple directors and tight secrecy on cameos and plot twists.
| Year | Title | RT Critit | RT Audience | Budget | Box Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Spider-man 2 | 88% | 91% | $160M | $840M | Spider-Man vs. Scorpion |
| 2016 | Black Panther | 96% | 95% | $180M | $1.2B | Wakanda’s debut, Killmonger introduced |
| 2017 | Iron man 3 | 84% | 86% | $200M | $910M | Mandarin revealed, Skrull tease |
| 2017 | X-Men last stand | 89% | 90% | $180M | $780M | Gambit, Storm, Cable join team |
| 2018 | Doctor Strange | 91% | 90% | $165M | $890M | Mystical MEU opens up |
| 2018 | Avengers vs X-Men | 95% | 97% | $260M | $1.6B | Epic conflict, mutant-human tensions erupt |
| 2018 | Avengers secret invasion part 1 | 89% | 90% | $240M | $1.3B | Skrull war begins |
| 2019 | Avengers secret invasion part 2 | 91% | 92% | $270M | $2.1B | Final battle, cosmic ramifications |
PHASE THREE FACTS[]
Behind the Scenes:
- Spider-Man 2 introduced Scorpion as a tragic villain.
- Black Panther filmed in South Africa and Atlanta.
- Iron Man 3 teased Skrulls — laying seeds for future cosmic plots.
- X-Men the last stand (2017) added Gambit, Storm, and Cable.
- Doctor Strange went experimental with IMAX-heavy visuals.
- Avengers vs X-Men was a massive crossover event with high stakes and multiple character deaths.
- Secret Invasion Part 1 & 2 adapted the fan-favorite Skrull saga into a paranoia-driven epic.
Fun Facts:
- Doctor Strange’s mirror dimension sequence took 8 months to render.
- Avengers vs X-Men broke the EMU’s box office record.
- Secret Invasion Part 2’s final battle had over 50 named characters on screen.
In Avengers vs. X-Men (2018), there was a deleted scene where Iron Man and Cyclops play chess between battles.
Kevin Feige-style producer notes suggested it slowed the pacing, but the scene became a fan-favorite when leaked online years later.
EMU Phase 4[]
📅 2020–2022[]
Phase 4 was built around risk-taking. It brought long-teased characters to the forefront, shattered the old Avengers team, killed off Thor, adapted Marvel Civil War in comic-accurate form, and restructured the MCU’s leadership dynamics. It also introduced TV series as an essential piece of the connected universe.
This phase was raw, bold, sometimes divisive — but unforgettable.
🎞️ Key Behind-the-Scenes Highlights:[]
- Spider-Man 3 (2020) brought Miles Morales into the fold as a fan-favoriteand teased him as Peter Parker’s future successor. The Sinister Six fight scenes were practical stunt-heavy productions with minimal CGI, earning big praise for their old-school energy.
- Fantastic Four: First Steps (2020) expanded Marvel’s cosmic corner, introducing Franklin Richards. The story’s family focus hit home with audiences, though some critics felt the pacing slowed during the final act.
- Hawkeye (2020) became a surprise hit as a grounded, seven-episode character study. It explored Clint’s trauma post-Ultron, his strained role as a late-joining Avenger, and the complicated politics within superhero communities. Audiences connected deeply.
- New Warriors (2021) was risky. A younger, more comedic team with little mainstream recognition, but it gave the Civil War storyline personal stakes. The incident that ignited Marvel Civil War happened here — a botched mission gone public, resulting in civilian deaths. The show’s bold political tone got mixed reviews but high ratings.
- Captain America: Serpent Order (2021) brought Steve Rogers, Bucky, Falcon, and Patriot together against an ancient cultic villainous order. The film cleverly foreshadowed cracks forming in the superhero community as government paranoia escalated. Audiences loved seeing Rogers clash with morally gray situations.
- Ant-Man and the Wasp 3 (2021) introduced Goliath and Scott Lang, balancing old-school Pym science antics with generational hero conflicts. Fans loved that Hank Pym stayed active, while Lang offered a lighter, chaotic new angle.
- Thor: Ragnarok (2022) was a somber, apocalyptic epic. Killing Thor was a bold move, polarizing critics and fans. The visuals, emotional performances, and end-of-an-era tone made it one of the most talked-about UMCU entries ever.
- Marvel Civil War (2022) was the Phase 4 crown jewel. Faithfully adapting the comics, it began with the New Warriors’ disaster, split the heroes into warring factions, and pulled no punches. The final Cap vs Iron Man fight shattered audiences emotionally. The public loved the boldness; critics debated whether it was too bleak.
No post-credits scene. It was intentional. The studio wanted the audience to leave feeling shaken.
🎬 Public & Critical Reception:[]
Total Phase 4 projects
| Year | Title | RT Critic | RT Audience | Budget | Box Office / Views | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Spider-man 3 | 89% | 93% | $175M | $1.09B | Sinister Six clash |
| 2020 | Fantastic 4: First Steps | 83% | 86% | $160M | $680M | Franklin Richards is born |
| 2020 | Hawkeye | 84% | 87% | $85M | 3.2M avg viewers/ep | Clint Barton’s backstory explored |
| 2021 | New Warriors | 80% | 85% | $90M | 2.7M avg viewers/ep | Civil War trigger team |
| 2021 | Captain America: Serpent Order | 90% | 92% | $180M | $870M | Steve, Bucky, Falcon, Patriot introduced |
| 2021 | Ant man and the wasp 3 | 85% | 88% | $150M | $710M | Goliath and Scott Lang debut |
| 2022 | Thor Ragnarok | 95% | 94% | $210M | $1.15B | Thor’s final battle & death |
| 2022 | Civil War | 96% | 97% | $270M | $2.10B | Comic-accurate war, New Warriors spark conflict |
🔥 Legacy:[]
Phase 4 was the most narratively disruptive phase yet. It killed a founding Avenger, broke the hero community, started the ideological fractures that would ripple through Phase 5, and introduced new generational heroes like Patriot, Goliath, and Miles Morales.
It was also the first phase where Disney+ shows weren’t side projects — they were essential viewing for following the core storyline.
📌 Fun Facts:[]
- The final Civil War fight between Iron Man, Captain America, and Spider-Man took months of planning, practical effects, and stunt choreography. No CGI doubles were used for the final brawl.
- Thor’s death scene was filmed in total secrecy with fake script pages and a closed set.
- Hawkeye’s show revealed Clint’s deafness for the first time in this universe, adapting a beloved comic storyline.
- The Sinister Six design in Ultimate Spider-Man drew heavily from classic Steve Ditko and John Romita Sr. sketches.