By the end of 2021, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) had released 27 feature films, solidifying its position as a cinematic juggernaut. This impressive number represents the culmination of the first three phases, collectively known as the Infinity Saga, and the early stages of Phase Four, signaling a new era of interconnected storytelling.
The Infinity Saga: A Foundation of 23 Films
Before diving into the specifics of 2021, it’s crucial to understand the foundation upon which the MCU stands. The first three phases, known as the Infinity Saga, laid the groundwork for the interconnected narratives and character development that define the franchise. This period saw the introduction of iconic heroes, the gradual assembly of the Avengers, and the epic confrontation with Thanos.
Phase One: Origins
Phase One introduced us to the core Avengers:
- Iron Man (2008)
- The Incredible Hulk (2008)
- Iron Man 2 (2010)
- Thor (2011)
- Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
- The Avengers (2012)
Phase Two: Expanding the Universe
Phase Two expanded the universe beyond Earth:
- Iron Man 3 (2013)
- Thor: The Dark World (2013)
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
- Ant-Man (2015)
Phase Three: Confronting the Mad Titan
Phase Three brought the Infinity Stones storyline to a head:
- Captain America: Civil War (2016)
- Doctor Strange (2016)
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
- Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
- Black Panther (2018)
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
- Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
- Captain Marvel (2019)
- Avengers: Endgame (2019)
- Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
2021: The Dawn of Phase Four
2021 marked a significant return to cinemas and Disney+ after delays due to the global pandemic. The MCU released four films, officially launching Phase Four and setting the stage for the future of the franchise. These releases broadened the scope of the universe, introducing new characters and exploring previously uncharted territories.
The MCU movies released in 2021 were:
- Black Widow (July 9, 2021)
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (September 3, 2021)
- Eternals (November 5, 2021)
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (December 17, 2021)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the MCU in 2021
Here are some of the most common questions about the MCU movies up to and including 2021.
FAQ 1: Why was Black Widow released in 2021 and not earlier?
The release of Black Widow was significantly delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its original release date was scheduled for May 2020, but it was repeatedly postponed until a dual release in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access in July 2021. This decision was driven by a desire to maximize its reach while navigating the challenges of reduced cinema attendance.
FAQ 2: Was Spider-Man: No Way Home the highest-grossing movie of 2021?
Yes, Spider-Man: No Way Home was a monumental success, becoming the highest-grossing movie of 2021 globally. Its box office performance was particularly impressive, exceeding pre-pandemic expectations and demonstrating the continued power of the MCU.
FAQ 3: How did Eternals contribute to the overall MCU narrative?
Eternals introduced a completely new group of characters with a vast backstory dating back millions of years. It expanded the cosmic scope of the MCU and introduced complex themes of morality, destiny, and humanity’s place in the universe. While it received mixed reviews, it laid the groundwork for future cosmic storylines.
FAQ 4: What was significant about the release of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings?
Shang-Chi marked a significant step towards diversity and representation in the MCU. It was the first Marvel film to feature an Asian superhero in the lead role and heavily incorporated elements of Asian culture and mythology. Its success demonstrated the audience’s appetite for diverse stories and characters.
FAQ 5: How does Phase Four differ from the Infinity Saga?
Phase Four is characterized by a more experimental and interconnected approach, exploring themes of grief, trauma, and the multiverse. It also places a greater emphasis on developing characters from the smaller screen, such as those introduced in Disney+ series. The threat landscape also seems to be shifting from a single, overarching villain to more localized and nuanced conflicts.
FAQ 6: Where can I watch all the MCU movies from 2021?
Black Widow was released in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access, while Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Eternals, and Spider-Man: No Way Home received exclusive theatrical releases initially. However, all four films are now available for streaming on Disney+. Rental or purchase options are also available on various digital platforms.
FAQ 7: Are the Disney+ shows considered part of the MCU movie count?
No, while the Disney+ shows are undeniably canon and essential to the overarching MCU narrative, they are not included in the count of MCU movies. They are considered separate but interconnected projects.
FAQ 8: What is the significance of the post-credit scenes in the 2021 MCU movies?
The post-credit scenes in each of the 2021 MCU films served as teasers for future storylines and character introductions. For example, Eternals‘ post-credit scene introduced Eros (Starfox) and Pip the Troll, hinting at future cosmic adventures. Spider-Man: No Way Home‘s post-credit scene teased the events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
FAQ 9: How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the MCU release schedule?
The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to the MCU’s release schedule. Numerous films and television shows were delayed, impacting the overall flow of the interconnected narrative. The staggered releases also led to some changes in the planned order of events, requiring adjustments to storytelling strategies.
FAQ 10: What role did the multiverse play in the MCU by the end of 2021?
By the end of 2021, the multiverse had become a central concept in the MCU. Spider-Man: No Way Home heavily explored the multiverse, bringing characters from previous Spider-Man film franchises into the MCU. This opened up a vast array of possibilities for future storylines and character interactions. Loki on Disney+ also firmly established the existence and dangers of the multiverse.
FAQ 11: Were there any major character deaths in the 2021 MCU movies that impacted the future of the franchise?
While the definition of “major” can be subjective, certain character deaths, like the potential fate of certain Eternals or characters impacted in No Way Home, certainly have implications for future storylines. The long-term impact will become clearer as Phase Four unfolds.
FAQ 12: How did the 2021 MCU movies set the stage for future phases and beyond?
The 2021 MCU movies introduced a new generation of heroes, explored the complexities of the multiverse, and expanded the cosmic scope of the universe. They laid the foundation for future phases by establishing new threats, setting up potential alliances, and exploring the consequences of past events. The future of the MCU after 2021 promises to be even more diverse, interconnected, and ambitious than ever before. The introduction of the multiverse alone has created endless possibilities for storytelling.