How Will the MCU Handle the Fallout of Avengers: Infinity War Until Avengers 4?
With Avengers: Infinity War setting up a monumental narrative landscape, the process of dealing with the aftermath becomes incredibly complex. As the Ant-Man and the Wasp and Captain Marvel serve as the next films before Avengers 4, the question remains: how will the Microverse and the present-day stories align with the cosmic scale left by the previous film?
Why Ant-Man and the Wasp Will Focus on the Recent Past
Ant-Man and the Wasp is set in the recent past, and there is a strong indication that it will take place after Captain America: Civil War but before Avengers: Infinity War. The film's trailers and post-credits scene suggest that the movie will begin before Infinity War, heading into the microverse. This strategic placement allows the film to focus on the consequences of events from Civil War without being directly connected to the cosmic scale of Infinity War.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: A Plot Device for Avengers 4
Considering Kevin Feige's plan for the Phase 4 continuity, Ant-Man and the Wasp will likely introduce a significant plot device that impacts the plot of Avengers: Infinity War, particularly involving the Quantum Realm and time travel. Given the post-credits scene in Infinity War, Captain Marvel will likely be a pre-Avengers 4 “must watch” to understand the necessary plot device that will enable the reboot for the next phase in MCU continuity.
Captain Marvel: Set in the 1990s
Captain Marvel is set in the 1990s and focuses on the adventures of Carol Danvers. Given the timeframe, Carol's origins and the story's setting will provide context for the next films. Additionally, the concept of anti-aging is likely to be explored, ensuring Carol's character remains relevant for future films.
The Future Is Secure for MCU Continuity
The future of the MCU looks secure, with the Ant-Man and the Wasp release on July 6, 2018, followed by Captain Marvel on March 8, 2019. Currently, there are no planned standalone films in between, keeping the focus on the interconnected narrative arc.
Given this setup, both these films will likely focus on the recent past, providing background and setting up the necessary groundwork for Avengers 4 and the reboot of the MCU’s continuity. The combination of the microverse and time travel concepts will play a crucial role in linking these stories, ensuring a seamless transition from the vast cosmic landscape of Infinity War to the developing storylines for the next phase of the MCU.