GENRE: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi

COUNTRY: USA

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a series of superhero films based on characters from Marvel Comics. The films have been in production since 2007, and collectively have grossed over $14billion at the box office worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film franchise of all time. The shared universe was established by crossing over common plot elements, settings, cast, and characters.

The MCU is overseen by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, who has produced every film in the franchise to date. The films are written and directed by a variety of individuals and usually feature ensemble casts. They are notable for their mid and post-credit scenes that introduce new characters or give hints about upcoming films. The universe has also expanded to include TV shows, books and short films.

Phase 3 follows a similar format to Phase 2, alternating sequels to established character’s films with introductory movies for new heroes. The major development during this phase was Disney’s deal with Sony Pictures to bring Spider-Man into the MCU, with Tom Holland making his debut as Spidey in the opening film of this phase, which also saw the biggest ensemble of heroes to date. That number was of course eclipsed by the line-up in Infinity War and Endgame, which saw more than 30 Marvel characters in action.

FILMS

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Director: Anthony & Joe Russo   Writers: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely

Cast: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Rudd, Tom Holland, Daniel Brühl

After extensive collateral damage prompts politicians to pass an act regulating superhuman activity, The Avengers become fractured into two opposing groups, one led by Captain America and the other by Iron Man. The must also face a new enemy, Helmut Zemo, who seeks revenge upon the Avengers and unearths secrets that may change the heroes’ relationships with one another forever.

Doctor Strange (2016)

Director: Scott Derrickson   Writers: Jon Spaihts, Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill

Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Mads Mikkelsen, Tilda Swinton

Following a car accident that ruins his career, top neurosurgeon Stephen Strange sets out on a journey of healing. In Nepal he encounters the Ancient One, who teaches him the use of Mystic Arts that allow him to help defend the Earth against the threat of the evil Kaecilius.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Director: James Gunn   Writers: James Gunn

Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell

The Guardians of the Galaxy travel throughout the cosmos and struggle to keep their newfound family together while helping Peter Quill learn more about his true parentage and facing new enemies.

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Director: Jon Watts   Writers: Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley, Jon Watts, Christopher Ford, Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers

Cast: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Jon Favreau, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr.

Several months after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Peter Parker tries to balance being the hero Spider-Man with his high school life under guidance of Tony Stark, as he deals with the threat of the mysterious Vulture.

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Director: Taika Waititi   Writers: Eric Pearson, Craig Kyle, Christopher Yost

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Mark Ruffalo, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Anthony Hopkins

After an encounter with the villainous Hela, Thor is trapped on the hostile planet Sakaar without his mighty hammer. He must survive a gladiatorial duel with an unexpected adversary and return to Asgard in time to stop Hela and the impending Ragnarök.

Black Panther (2018)

Director: Ryan Coogler   Writers: Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole

Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Forest Whitaker, Andy Serkis

Weeks after the death of his father in Captain America: Civil War, T’Challa returns to the nation of Wakanda to find his kingdom and authority challenged by a long-time adversary in a conflict that has global consequences.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Director:  Anthony & Joe Russo   Writers: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely

Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Zoe Saldana, Josh Brolin, Chris Pratt.

The evil Titan Thanos arrives on Earth in search of the Infinity Stones for a gauntlet that will allow him to bend reality to his will. The Avengers must put aside their differences and join forces with the Guardians of the Galaxy and other allies to try and stop him before his destructive onslaught puts an end to half the universe.