As fans of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe we have to take it on the chin and accept the wait’s going to be a little longer for Black Widow, Shang-Chi and The Eternals. We have to keep our anticipation in check as we eagerly await the second standalone adventures of Black Panther and Doctor Strange, while we won’t see Thor until autumn 2021. But there are a few ways we can still indulge in the MCU despite the long wait until the next theatrical release.
There’s no stopping Marvel TV
While the big screen releases might be on hold for a while, there’s no stopping Marvel’s small screen entertainment. If you haven’t already checked out the MCU shows on Netflix then you’re in for a treat with Luke Cage, The Punisher, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist and Daredevil all residing there.
However, with Disney+ now being the new home of all things Marvel, 2020 promises to be a huge year for new series, especially as the streaming service wants to make a big impression. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will debut this year, while WandaVision, about the adventures of Scarlet Witch and Vision, will arrive in December.
Give Disney+ a whirl
There’s no escaping the fact that Disney+ is where Marvel fans need to be if they want to indulge in the latest films and TV. All the new shows will be debuting on the digital streaming platform while it also has the complete catalogue of movies. Take a nostalgic trip back to the MCU’s earliest big screen outings with Iron Man or relive Phase Three’s thrilling finale in Endgame.
But there’s another reason to try Disney+. As well as its Marvel content it boasts many of the studio’s best films such as classic animation like The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid to newer hits such as Frozen and Moana. Indeed, the entire Star Wars franchise is streaming too.
Try the DC Universe
The DC Comics Extended Universe shouldn’t be considered a dirty phrase. Admittedly, the films have been disappointing. But if you haven’t given them a go yet, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Wonder Woman all have intrinsic delights that provide a compelling alternative to Marvel’s output. DC’s TV ouput is perhaps even more attractive with Arrow, Supergirl and Flash all winning critical acclaim.
Games
The MCU is notorious for its game tie-ins. The upcoming Avengers release for PC, PS4 and Xbox One is hotly anticipated and will be available in September. There’s loads of great free games to play too. Poki has released a number of these including LEGO Avengers: Hulk, Iron Man Hulkbuster and Superhero Epic Battle.
Marvel has also made a big splash in iGaming. The Incredible Hulk, Thor and Spider-Man have all lent their licensed images to video slots. Similar heroics and villainy can be found at the online casino with DC Comics’ most popular characters too with The Dark Knight, Green Lantern and Suicide Squad all having their own games. There’s even Superman Roulette.
Virtual Comic Cons
For some Marvel fans, seeing the movies in cinemas just isn’t enough. We know exactly where you’re coming from. That’s why we’ll be dressing up as Iron Man and Pepper Potts and hitting the webcam for this year’s virtual comic cons including the inaugural Virtual Fan Expo organised by Experience Level Entertainment and Collider.
The Marvel Fix
Okay, I know, this isn’t the same as seeing Scarlett Johansson in a new Black Widow movie, the eponymous hero on the run after her exploits in Captain America: Civil War. It also doesn’t fully fill the gap left by the upcoming debuts of Eternals or Shang-Chi. And no matter what we do, there’s nothing like a good Thor movie with Chris Hemsworth in the hotseat (Love and Thunder is scheduled for November 2021).
Yet, we can still satisfy a thirst for heroes and villains – be that in new ways like playing online games or turning to the small screen – that will ultimately make Phase 4 of the MCU even more thrilling when it does arrive.
