One moment you were stuffing your face with guac tuning into the Super Bowl on what some would call an American Holiday. The next moment you were on the floor giddy with excitement because Marvel did THAT.
And by that, I mean finally give fans a glimpse at the highly anticipated launch of their Disney+ limited series.
In the eyes of a fangirl, it’s a lot to take in. Marvel knew this, giving quick, almost staccato, images of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, WandaVision and Loki. Packed in those images is the promise of intrigue and excellence. And a rich, more complex multiverse for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The Falcon and the Winter Solider
As promised, The Falcon and the Winter Solider appears to pick up the pieces of Avengers: Endgame with the introduction of Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson taking up the Captain America mantle. And boy can he swing that shield.
We also have Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes return with a fresh new look and a character that is ready to put his quarrels with Wilson behind and work as partners.
We see Daniel Brühl’s Zemo preparing to cause chaos and have been informed of the return of Sharon Carter, but more excitement was fed with a glimpse at what could be the introduction of U.S. Agent.
WandaVision
When Marvel announced their plans to craft a sitcom, comedy, bonkers type of a series that filtered into an upcoming thriller I thought why not? But would they deliver? The clip of WandaVision seems to make it so. Here we get quick flashes of what appears to be an alternate reality perhaps formed by Wanda. She is a witch, isn’t she? Paul Bettany’s Vision makes his return but given his demise in Avengers: Infinity War we can assume this unnatural return will come with consequences.
Perhaps the most exciting image was of Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda donning the comic book outfit of the original Scarlet Witch.
Loki
I think it is safe to say no one was expecting Loki. I was not. And I about lost it when I saw that smug face of his donning my TV screen in almost Joker-esque fashion. The series which just began production in January is not slated for release until 2021 if that. And all Marvel had to do was flash Tom Hiddleston’s Loki and now the world is watching and the hype intensifies.
If you’re still reeling over the massive stretch that is getting your brain around the timelines of time travel from Avengers: Endgame you are not in poor company. This has been a topic of much mystery and intrigue in the MCU for ages and is no stranger in the realm of Thor.
The Loki clip, though painfully brief, shows Loki in what appears to be a jumpsuit with the initials “TVA” alluding to the Time Variance Authority. Cops of time and reality, this fictional organization first appeared in 1986 Thor comics. They exist to monitor and prevent timelines deemed too dangerous in the multiverse. It is no surprise they cross paths with Loki.
Phase 4 is going to be a wild ride. So hold on tight and enjoy the view of this marvelous rollercoaster.
Ellie Wendt is a Columnist for the Boardwalk Times
