The True Meaning of Phase Four of the MCU

We recognize that it might seem like Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Four was scattered and disconnected, especially when compared to previous phases of the MCU. And it’s true that it doesn’t rate with Phase Three of the MCU in terms of the way one film builds right off the next and the next and so on. But remember: Marvel was around for years before Phase Three. And in its early days, Marvel wasn’t quite so cohesive. (Remember Tony Stark showing up in The Incredible Hulk? Remember that weird Captain America shield in Iron Man 2? Remember when they recast Bruce Banner and James Rhodes? We do!)

Our point is each new era needs time to coalesce, and that’s what’s happening at Marvel right now. Plus, if you look beneath the surface, you will see that all of the Phase Four movies and shows actually share a singular theme. That’s the subject of our latest Marvel video, which breaks down all the Phase Four stories and shows how each of them is connected and how they all share the same idea. Check it out below:

If you liked that video about the hidden meaning of Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Four, check out more of our videos below, including which Guardians will live or die in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, all the Easter eggs in the trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and what would have happened if Killmonger had survived the events of Black Panther. Plus, there’s tons more videos over at ScreenCrush’s YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to catch all our future episodes. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is scheduled to open in theaters on May 5, 2023.

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