Marvel laid out its Phase Four schedule, filling in titles for dates it reserved in the past, and provided new details on movie plans for the next several years at San Diego Comic-Con.
Simu Liu will star in the title role of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Marvel’s Kevin Feige announced at Comic-Con. The film’s cast will also include Awkwafina in an undisclosed role, and Tony Leung as Mandarin. Destin Daniel Cretton had previously been revealed as director (see "’Shang-Chi’ Director"). The film will premiere February 12, 2021 (see "Best in Shows Q1 2021").
Feige confirmed that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will premiere May 7, 2021 (see "Marvel Dusts Off ‘Doctor Strange’ 2"). It will star Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen, and the storyline will connect directly to a new Disney+ series. For other films in that season, see "Best in Shows – Q2 2021."
Natalie Portman, playing Jane Foster, will take up Thor’s hammer and become the Mighty Thor, the goddess of thunder, in Thor: Love and Thunder, the fourth film in the Thor franchise. Taika Waititi, who directed Thor: Ragnarok, will also direct the next film, which will star Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson in addition to Portman. The film will debut November 5, 2021 (see "Best in Shows – Q4 2021").
Black Widow, currently in production (see "’Black Widow’ Casting"), will be the first Phase Four MCU film to hit the screen when it premieres May 1, 2020 (see "Best in Shows – Q2 2020"); the date had not previously been revealed. In addition to Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff, the film will star David Harbour as Alexei aka The Red Guardian, Florence Pugh as Yelena, O-T Fagbenle as Mason, and Rachel Weisz as Melina.
Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali is attached to star in a Blade feature, Marvel announced. No release date was revealed.