Against all odds, ‘The Marvels’ is confirmed to be the key to unlocking the future of the MCU

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Regrettably, it’s not an opinion but a stark reality that The Marvels falls short in comparison to every other MCU movie, lacking the soaring success they’ve achieved. The sequel to Captain Marvel struggled to even reach $200 million in global box office earnings, a mere fraction of its predecessor’s 2019 haul. Even as someone who found more enjoyment in the film than many others, it’s perplexing how the studio could perceive this anything but a disappointing setback.

For those who shared my appreciation for the team-up of Carol Danvers, Kamala Khan, and Monica Rambeau, there’s some promising news. Conversely, for those who found the movie less appealing, there’s something quite puzzling. With the streaming release of The Marvels, fans can now delve into “The Making of The Marvels” documentary on Disney Plus. In this hour-long special, screenwriter Elissa Karasik makes a bold assertion, hinting at The Marvels’ intrinsic significance to the unfolding Multiverse Saga, leading towards Avengers 5 and 6.

Karasik suggests that The Marvels serves as a blueprint for the future of the MCU, showcasing how disparate characters can be brought together across dimensions and timelines, enriching storytelling possibilities. She alludes to a broader cosmic community within the narrative, whether or not the characters are aware of it.

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Implying that The Marvels could be the groundwork for Avengers 5, Karasik hints at parallels between the heroines’ convergence amidst cosmic peril and the potential reassembly of the Avengers in the face of a universe-threatening menace. While reminiscent of Infinity War, the emphasis on The Marvels’ narrative significance is notable.

However, it’s important to note that Karasik’s insights were provided during the film’s production, prior to significant changes in the MCU landscape. Since then, alterations have been made, such as the removal of Jonathan Majors as Kang and the replacement of screenwriter Jeff Loveness with Michael Waldron. Thus, any thematic or narrative connections between The Marvels and Avengers 5 may have been altered or removed altogether.

Nevertheless, the sequel’s ability to unite heroes and thrust them into high-stakes action could still prove beneficial for an event film with a plethora of storylines to integrate. Perhaps, in retrospect, The Marvels will be vindicated and recognized as a pivotal chapter in the Multiverse Saga, rather than one the studio wishes to forget.