The Marvel Cinematic Universe, or MCU as it’s more commonly known, is a multi-universe set-up that consists of various superheroes. Marvel films traditionally tend to have their roots in the comics that have been published by Marvel Comics. Unlike others, Marvel’s marketing strategy revolves around releasing its films in a phasic way, whereby the giant media company groups different films together in a single phase. Marvel’s first three phases are collectively known as “The Infinity Saga” and the following three phases known as “The Multiverse Saga”. Iron Man (2008) was the MCU’s first release that kick-started its conquest to rise to the top of the cinematic food chain. Since then, Marvel has released many films across many phases and currently finds itself on the cusp of entering its fifth phase with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Here’s a look at every Marvel movie and TV show releasing in 2023.
The Marvels
The Marvels is an upcoming film based on characters such as Carol Denvers/Captain Marvel, Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel, and Monica Rambeau. The film serves as a sequel to Captain Marvel (2019), and is directed by Nia DaCosta. The Marvels stars Brie Larson, Iman Vellani, and Samuel L. Jackson in prominent roles, and is set to release in July 2023.
Kraven The Hunter
Following in the footsteps of Morbius and Venom, Kraven The Hunter is another collaboration between Sony Pictures Universe and MCU, where Sony focusses on a solo film for an MCU villain. In the comics, Kraven the Hunter, was essentially a villain debuting in The Amazing Spider-Man issue #15. Kraven is considered one of Spider-Man’s most formidable foes, possessing a great set of survival abilities, which he’s often overconfident about. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is playing the titular role of Kraven in the film, while the project is being helmed by J.C Chandor. Kraven the Hunter is set for release in October 2023.
Loki – Season 2
After a successful season, the God of Mischief is back for more. Loki‘s second season will bring back familiar faces as Tom Hiddleston is set to return as Loki, along with a cast of other prominent actors, such as Tara Strong, Owen Wilson, and Sophia Di Martino. The show will consist of six episodes, and is set to air on Disney + in mid 2023.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
At this point, there’s not much clarity about the story revolving around Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. What we do know is Gwen Stacy returns to earth to rope Miles Morales with him into another Spider-Verse, leading to a multiverse adventure. Another interesting aspect to the film marks the entry of Spider-Man 2099, played by Oscar Isaac, creating a much-awaited buzz amongst Spider-Man loyalists. The film is helmed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin Thompson, and is set to release in June 2023.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3
James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 is set to hit the screens on May 5th, 2023. The film stars the staple intergalactic guardians such as Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldanã, Vin Diesel, and Dave Bautista. Though, there’s not much clarity about the plot, it is believed that the film will offer a closer look at Rocket Raccoon’s backstory. In an interview with EW, Gunn stated, “To me, Rocket has always been the secret protagonist of the Guardians movies… From the beginning, it has been rooted in who he is as a character. I think he exemplifies a lot of the traits of all the Guardians. They’ve had all these traumas, and it brings them together. I just think that his is more extreme than others”.
Secret Invasion
Secret Invasion is a TV miniseries that’s created by Kyle Bradstreet, based on the Marvel Comics of the same name. The series sees Samuel L. Jackson reprise his role as Nick Fury, along with actors such as Emilia Clarke, Cobie Smulders and Martin Freeman. The premise of the show revolves around a group of shape-shifting aliens known as the Skrulls, that have infiltrated all aspects of life on Earth. Secret Invasion is set to release in the early part of 2023, on Disney+
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Marvel’s first release of Phase 5 marks the return of Scott Lang in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. The film sees superhero partners Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and The Wasp. Together, with Hope’s parents and Scott’s daughter, the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought possible. The film is directed by Peyton Reed, and is set to hit theaters in February 2023.
