2023 has a few big MCU releases coming. But one is even bigger than Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and the debut of Kang.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase Five has a lot on its shoulders after the previous phase set up concepts like mutants and the rise of the multiverse. As a result, many new films will have to pay off in many different ways, with the debut film of the phase, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, tackling the dangerous Kang the Conqueror. But another 2023 movie that may be more important than it lets on will be Captain Marvel’s big team-up film, The Marvels.
Not much is known about what The Marvels will tackle, but it seems clear that the film will be a cosmic adventure with Carol Danvers, Monica Rambeau and Kamala Khan at the forefront. But the main draw will be the tension that could arise from the characters and their histories with one another. But even though villains and moments haven’t been revealed, it’s clear that one character may be the most important aspect of the film and push the universe forward — Ms. Marvel.
The Marvels Will Be a Big Film for Kamala Khan
In the finale of Ms. Marvel, it’s revealed that Kamala’s powers are a product of the mutant gene within her. But being the first mutant in the main MCU, there’s also much she doesn’t know. And after being switched with Carol, Kamala never got a chance to dig deeper and may attribute her mutation to her teleportation. As a result, her journey through the galaxy may be a chance for her to ask anyone about what they know about mutants and if she can be helped.
Essentially, The Marvels would be a reality check for Kamala as there’s no such thing as downtime when she’s a hero and will have to get the answers she needs or risk being a dangerous liability to those around her. Narratively, her mutant reveal wasn’t an accident, either. This reveal proves that her status will play a large role in her life, and traveling to space with her idol may be the first step in a larger adventure. But The Marvels could also plant the seeds for the imminent arrival of the X-Men and many other mutants that are even more dangerous than Kamala or Namor.
The Marvels Sets the Stage for Future MCU Phases
The MCU has been setting the stage for the arrival of mutants for years. Early on, Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver introduced the concept of individuals that had natural powers given to them. However, Eternals showed the extent of powers in the MCU and introduced characters who could fly and have strength without assistance. Now, Namor and Kamala represent characters who inherited powers from their genes and carry great potential. As a result, once the X-Men arrive, it would feel natural for fans but still leaves questions for audiences about where they came from and how long they’ve had their powers.
The Marvels may not be the most anticipated film of Phase Five, but the MCU has proven that the most unexpected entries carry the most weight. In this case, the film could be a coming-of-age story for Kamala as she would now have to deal with her changing status as a mutant and how that could impact her life, being that she knows no one like her. But as she understands herself, audiences will be subliminally accustomed to mutants in the MCU, further setting up their debut. There’s no doubt that Kang is the clear and present threat that needs to be set up in the MCU, but it’s equally important to notice how and when mutants are being given attention.
