Marvel’s year isn’t even over yet, with the Hawkeye series set to premiere on November 24, and of course Spider-Man: No Way Home swinging into theaters on December 17th. However, as the hype around Spidey’s latest theatrical adventure builds, it’s easy to forget that next year has an equally epic slate of films set for release. So just to recap, here’s a list of every Marvel film coming to theaters in 2022.
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While not technically part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this film still warrants a mention. After all, recent revelations have confirmed that all of Sony’s Spider-Man films take place in the same multiverse as the MCU. Morbius focuses on a villain-turned-hero from the Spider-Man comics — Michael Morbius (Jared Leto), a scientist whose desperate attempt to cure his blood disease transforms him into a vampire. While this film is a bit of an oddity among next year’s Marvel releases, it still boasts a star-studded cast, including Jared Harris, Tyrese Gibson, and Matt Smith of Doctor Who fame. Even Michael Keaton makes an appearance, seemingly reprising his role as the Vulture. How Morbius fits into the wider MCU is still unclear, but all will surely be revealed when it hits theaters on January 28th, 2022.
The first proper MCU film of 2022, the long-awaited Doctor Strange sequel sees Sam Raimi, the man behind the original Spider-Man trilogy, make his triumphant return to the director’s chair of a superhero film. While the film’s plot is still under wraps, it’s been confirmed that Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) will be joined by Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), continuing her story where WandaVision left off. Xochitl Gomez will also be joining the cast as newcomer hero America Chavez, while Benedict Wong, Rachel McAdams, and Chiwetel Ejiofor return from the first film as Wong, Christine Palmer, and Karl Mordo, respectively. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will cast its spell on theaters on May 6th, 2022.
This movie is a direct sequel to Thor: Ragnarok, making Chris Hemsworth’s Thor the first MCU hero to receive a fourth solo film. Taika Waititi returns as director (and in the role of Korg) to adapt Jason Aaron’s landmark comic run, including the return of Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) as Mjolnir’s newest wielder. Christian Bale also joins the cast as the villainous Gorr the God-Butcher, along with Russell Crowe as Zeus. Jaime Alexander and Jeff Goldblum also return as Lady Sif and the Grandmaster, as well as Star-Lord, Drax, Groot, Mantis, Nebula, and Kraglin from the Guardians of the Galaxy films. Thor: Love and Thunder storms into theaters on July 8th, 2022.
Not much is known about the upcoming sequel to the beloved Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse film — even its title is currently a mystery. The movie’s plot is completely unknown, but it has been confirmed that Shamiek Moore, Jake Johnson, and Hawkeye star Hailee Steinfeld will be reprising their roles as Miles Morales, Peter B. Parker, and Gwen Stacy. The only new characters confirmed so far are Jessica Drew, aka Spider-Woman (voiced by Issa Rae), and Takuya Yamashiro, the Spider-Man from the obscure 1970s Japanese Spider-Man TV series.
Additionally, the film will be directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, known for his work on Avatar: The Last Airbender and Justice League Unlimited, along with Soul screenwriter Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson, the production designer of the original Into the Spider-Verse. The as-of-yet untitled Spider-Verse sequel will warp into theaters on October 7th, 2022.
The last Marvel film releasing in 2022 is also currently the most mysterious. After the untimely passing of Chadwick Boseman, it’s unknown who will serve as the film’s protagonist, and likely take up the mantle of Black Panther as well. It has been confirmed, however, that Ryan Coogler will be returning as director, along with most of the first film’s cast. Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, and Martin Freeman are all reprising their roles as Nakia, Okoye, Shuri, M’Baku, Queen Mother Ramonda, and Everett K. Ross, respectively. So far, the only new character confirmed to be appearing is Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), star of the upcoming Ironheart series on Disney Plus. No official information has been released on the film’s antagonist, though it’s been rumored that Namor the Sub-Mariner will make his MCU debut to menace Wakanda’s defenders. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever sinks its claws into theaters on November 11th, 2021.
Keep in mind, this article only focuses on next year’s theatrical releases featuring Marvel Comics characters. There will also be plenty of new TV shows on Disney Plus as well, including Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight, She-Hulk, and Secret Invasion — along with The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. None of the aforementioned series currently have set release dates. Needless to say, 2022 is going to be another very busy year for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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