Phase 3 was one of the most significant segments of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It seemed that everything had been building toward the final battle with Thanos at the conclusion of both Infinity War and Endgame. The first film in Phase 3, Captain America: Civil War, was a stepping stone for new characters to enter the MCU, such as Black Panther and Spider-Man, while also hinting at the tension that would result in the Avengers’ split, led by the problems between Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, and Bucky Barnes. The MCU also showed a brilliant new version of Thor, which understood a far more fun balance between the comical tone the MCU was aiming for while keeping in touch with world expansion in Ragnarok and the seriousness that followed the eventual destruction of Asgard.
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Although Phase 4 has had its stand-out moments, the segment has not held the same excitement in Phase 3. So, how can Phase 5 re-capture the excitement from Phase 3? First, use what worked in Phase 3 by remembering the build-ups and what excited audiences to see the films. Phase 3 was known as part of the Infinity Saga and had mostly spent its time surrounding the Infinity Stones. The MCU has since moved on to the Multiverse Saga, but only a few movies have touched on expanding the Multiverse. Phase 5 can use everything from the Phase 4 films and the aftermath of Phase 3 to the new characters introduced in the Disney+ Original Marvel series to push forward and re-ignite the magic from Marvel’s third phase.
Creating Build-Up
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Phase 3 culminated build-up starting with the first Iron Man film. One of the things that made Phase 3 so exciting was seeing every MCU hero come together to fight one villain. Initially, the MCU got the build-up right when fans received an individual origin story for each Avenger, which eventually resulted in The Avengers, with all of them meeting and working together. So the conclusion of Phase 3 is just a more significant and exciting portrayal of that original connection. Phase 5 could pull off something similar if the films get the audience excited enough about new and returning characters to see them all collaborate.
Phase 3 was the pay-off for years’ worth of movies. Between Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, more so than any other Phase 3 film, the characters got to work together and prove their emotional connections to the audience. Even the origin stories in Phase 3 feel connected to the universe rather than separate enough not to understand where they could fit in. It also did not hurt to sprinkle in cameos between films, such as Doctor Strange’s brief appearance in Thor: Ragnarok, to show the growing connections between the Marvel heroes.
Humor Mixed With Serious Storytelling
One of the things that Thor: Love And Thunder was panned for was how it valued jokes above storytelling. In doing so, the necessity of the film gets lost in translation, and viewers are left wondering what exactly the film’s point is. In comparison, Thor: Ragnarok, Spider-Man: Homecoming and Black Panther all exhibited severe topics with a comical undertone. The jokes never take up too much of the movie; instead, they feel organically placed amongst the challenging issues. Marvel movies are never angry, sad, and brooding, but they have enough seriousness to ensure the stakes are valid.
Phase 5 can avoid the mistake of turning everything into a joke. Remember to keep the comedy involved in the movie, but do not strip the rest of the film of the heavy elements it needs to further the narrative. Even in She-Hulk: Attorney At Law, the decision to break the fourth wall in its sitcom formula feels like it could be used to suggest a new approach to MCU films rather than a joke for the sake of a joke.
A Focused Climax
Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame are the most significant events of Phase 3. The stakes are more prominent than ever. The cliffhanger after Infinity War resulted in record-breaking responses from audiences desiring to see the aftermath. Phase 5’s focus may be the Multiverse, but it can still use that to its advantage. Between Phase 4’s Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Stranger In The Multiverse Of Madness, the MCU has set a solid foundation for the Multiverse, and Ant-Man: Quantumania, might be the next MCU film headed to new and exciting worlds.
Phase 5 can create an event similar to Phase 3’s battles against Thanos by introducing numerous Multiverse counterparts and bringing everyone together for a new big struggle. However, it may not mean much if the audience is not as emotionally invested in these characters. Part of what made the climax so emotionally investing is that many of the heroes who were turned to dust by Thanos were fan favorites. That is part of why everyone raced back to theaters to see Avengers: Endgame.
World Expansion With Familiar Characters
Although Captain Marvel had never been involved with the MCU previous to a slight snippet hinting at her appearance after Infinity War, her origin story also includes a fun friendship with a younger Nick Fury. Carol Danvers and Nick Fury’s relationship helps ground Captain Marvel in the MCU while also helping continue the narrative by introducing new characters and elements. Black Panther presents Wakanda, the culture of another part of the franchise, and a more extensive understanding of vibranium. Spider-Man: Homecoming continues Peter Parker’s journey as Spider-Man while fleshing out his dynamic with Tony Stark. Although Doctor Strange may not be familiar to the audience, connecting his journey with the Time Stone brings him closer to the rest of the MCU.
Phase 5 can do that if it grounds its new characters like before. Phase 5, given the MCU’s growing content, seems to be more character-filled than ever before. However, many were introduced quickly in films or were given Disney+ shows to work as origin stories. Having only been introduced recently, they do not have the backdrop or the amount of previous content to show their character development like the others had by the time Phase 3 rolled around.
Understanding The Importance Of The Past
Sony Pictures Releasing
One of the things that earned Avengers: Endgame raving reactions in theaters was that it understood the significance of its history. Traveling back in time to some of the MCU’s greatest hits, including the Battle of New York and Peter Quill’s rendition of “Come And Get Your Love,” show that the MCU paid attention to what was essential to the franchise and fun for the audience.
Phase 5 has some massive history on its side. The Blip certainly could continue to play a role in the emotional aftermath of events in Phase 5, especially as plenty of MCU content has avoided revealing everyone who had disappeared or not during those five years. If Phase 5 wants to continue moving beyond the Snap, there is always the history in the Multiverse Saga to rely on, such as Peter Parker’s massive sacrifice in Spider-Man: No Way Home or Doctor Strange’s discovery of multiple worlds in Multiverse Of Madness.
