Marvel Studios Shifts Several Phase Three MCU Release Dates
Following the blockbuster announcement that Spider-Man is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios has confirmed some release dates for its official release schedule for four films in the upcoming slate of Phase Three films for the MCU. The first new solo Spider-Man film set within in the MCU has been confirmed for a July 28, 2017 release, which was the same date as the third solo Thor movie, Thor Ragnarok. As a result of new release date for Spider-Man, Thor: Ragnarok has now been moved for a November 3, 2017 release date.
Three other films were also shifted due to Spider-Man joining the MCU, including the upcoming scheduled films for Black Panther, Captain Marvel and Inhumans. Thor: Ragnarok now occupies a spot previously held by Marvel’s Black Panther, which now hits theaters July 6, 2018. Captain Marvel previously held that spot, so now the first Marvel Studios solo film with a female superhero will move to November 2, 2018. Inhumans now moves from its November slot to July 12, 2019. The third and fourth Avengers films will keep their original release dates. Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 hits on May 4, 2018. Avengers: Infinity War Part 2 will be released on May 4, 2019.
The main question now is which Marvel Studios film will feature the first appearance of the rebooted Spider-Man character before the release of the new movie in 2017? The most likely candidate right now is Captain America: Civil War, due out May 6, 2016. The only other Marvel films that will be released before the new Spider-Man film in 2017 are Doctor Strange and Guardians of the Galaxy 2. It seems highly unlikely that a new version of the character would be introduced in either of those films. Spider-Man has interacted with the Guardians and Doctor Strange in stories before. However, the Guardians’ on film are currently not hanging around Earth. A Doctor Strange origin story probably will not mix very well with re-introducing Spider-Man to the MCU audience at large.
Either way, this is an exciting time for fans now. The maligned Amazing Spider-Man movie franchise has effectively come to an end. Spider-Man will now get to be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and interact with the likes of Captain America, Iron Man and many more.