Has the Marvel Cinematic Universe Finally Reached a Tipping Point?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is setting up a new “dynasty,” and after 11 years of the Infinity Saga we’ve tossed aside Thanos like a drawer full of Infinity Stones at the TVA. MCU overlord Kevin Feige is back in the driver’s seat as we move at breakneck speed into the Multiverse Saga of Phase 4, 5, and 6.

This chapter sees the rise of The Kang Dynasty to get through. The question is, are we reaching MCU saturation?  

The MCU Is Reaching Critical Mass

In 2023 we’ve got three MCU movies and a currently unknown slate of shows in store. Only X-Men ‘97 pencilled in for this year, and it stands to reason that the more movies and shows we have, the more divisive moments like screaming goats, twerking with Megan Thee Stallion, and MODOK’s ass we have to contend with. 

It’s a far cry from the Avengers assembling to Alan Silvestri’s rousing score in 2012, and we’ve certainly come a long way from the humble roots of worrying about Thor’s hammer landing in the New Mexico desert. Back in Phase 1, there were only six movies to worry about, with the final being the crossover ensemble of The Avengers. Jump forward to Phase 5, we can barely keep track of what’s coming out and when.

Arguably, we’re not off to a great start in Phase 5, with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. If the MCU is turning on itself, what hope do the fans have? 

Crisis talks are presumably underway, but Feige and co. are already taking notice. Black Widow was delayed. 

There Will Be Casualties

For all its faults, the DC Universe isn’t afraid to cut off the foot to save the leg. It’s disappointing we’ll never get to see Wonder Woman 3, it could be time to thin the herd. 

We’ve already seen Daredevil: Born Again. Instead, it’s another show you must tune into for fear of missing something important.

It’s near-impossible to be a casual MCU fan because missing pieces of the puzzle often means you’re banished to a Quantum Realm of continuity conundrums. Young Avengers teases have been popping up like incursions, and it’s a safe bet that a lot of Phase 5’s post-credits scenes will likely include Kang variants appearing everywhere. 

It’s still rare that an MCU project will be its own entity, with Captain America 4 proves no one is left behind, and as the MCU cast list grows, we reflexively wince at what the Secret Wars budget will be. That’s before you even get to rumours that the Jackman-era X-Men could be back for more.

A Return To Form

It’s not all a logistical nightmare. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, and although no more Special Presentations are confirmed, there are hopes we could get more of these standalone stories. 

Peacemaker. 

But it could be time to take a breather. Feige promises things are changing, telling Entertainment Weekly, “People will see that as we get further into Phase 5 and 6. The pace at which we’re putting out the Disney+ shows will change so they can each get a chance to shine.” Still, it remains to be seen whether this can improve quality. 

We’re all for planning ahead, but when you’re already Morbius territory yet, Daniel Espinosa’s blood-sucking blunder remains an extension of the MCU. Here’s hoping Quantumania is just a bump in the road before Feige wrangles these branching timelines heading toward a multiversal war of criticism and box office problems, by putting the MCU back on track of its own Sacred Timeline.