Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe kicks off in 2023, and the films will finally start to pay off the Disney+ television shows. The continuation of the Multiverse Saga will see films like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The post-pandemic era of the MCU will hopefully feature more crossovers and focus on an ongoing narrative for the saga as opposed to telling inconsistent stories that don't seem to connect.
Some of the Phase 4 films were already incorporated into the streaming shows such as Avengers: Secret Wars. The pandemic really affected the execution of some earlier Phase 4 projects due to many delays and storylines being cut, along with needing to meet crucial deadlines. It also contributed to a lack of payoffs and connections throughout the phase.
Phase 4 Didn't Reference MCU TV Shows Enough
An interconnected franchise like the MCU should be referencing other projects regularly. Some projects like Ironheart, and Agatha: Coven of Chaos along with films including The Marvels and New World Order. This is great since the Phase 4 films didn't refer to the shows very often. The more spinoffs that are introduced, the higher the chance of the movies referencing them more frequently.
Every Marvel TV Show Connection In Phase 5
The biggest connection that Phase 5's opening film, Daredevil: Born Again. Coven of Chaos will bring back Agatha Harkness and Dottie from WandaVision. And finally, Thunderbolts is expected to be the culmination of Phase 5, featuring Phase 4 characters like Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, and John Walker.
The delay of Blade and how the Phase 5 slate is affected gives Marvel Studios more time to make sure their stories are fleshed out properly and that they can connect to other MCU properties. It will help with the Multiverse Saga's consistency and could culminate in the most unique phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to date.
