The Impact of Disney/Fox Deal on the Marvel Cinematic Universe

As the dust settles on the Disney/Fox deal, the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) remains uncertain. While there may not be immediate changes, the acquisition will undoubtedly bring about significant shifts in the landscape, particularly with the integration of characters from the X-Men and Fantastic Four franchises.

Current State and Future Prospects

At this moment, the MCU is largely on track with its current narrative, as evidenced by the recent release of Avengers: Endgame. The film closed off many story arcs, and while the next phase seems more focused on self-contained tales, the upcoming X-Men: Dark Phoenix will likely bring closure to the X-Men's convoluted film series.

Given the previous formula of introducing new heroes and gradually building a larger shared universe, it's unlikely that Marvel will suddenly incorporate mutants or Fantastic Four characters in the near future. However, with more input from Marvel Studios, we may see more interconnected storylines and character developments across the board.

Rebooting X-Men and Fantastic Four

Disney's acquisition of Fox will allow for the reboot of X-Men and Fantastic Four characters into the MCU. This will involve recasting the actors, with the exception of Ryan Reynolds, and bringing these characters from 20th Century Fox into a new era of Marvel storytelling. This move effectively ends the older X-Men movie franchise and paves the way for a fresh take on these beloved characters.

Exciting New Storylines

The integration of X-Men and Fantastic Four will open up numerous possibilities for exciting new storylines, such as the legendary crossover of Avengers vs. X-Men and Illuminati. In the coming phase, Marvel Studios can explore alternate versions of heroes, such as Wolverine, Ben Grimm (the Thing), and new characters like Northstar and Super-Skrull, providing a rich tapestry of storylines.

Themes of mutant identity and race will be introduced, adding a layer of depth and relevance to the narratives. The upcoming Eternals movie is expected to delve into the concept of Celestials, suggesting an even broader scope of the Marvel multiverse. This presents a rich playground of storytelling that can revitalize the MCU with fresh ideas and new characters.

Conclusion

Barring any major revelations from Disney, the upcoming year is expected to be relatively quiet for Marvel. However, the Disney/Fox deal promises to be a catalyst for significant changes, particularly with the integration of these new characters and storylines. The possibilities are vast, and the upcoming releases will be crucial in shaping the future of the MCU.