As the first Marvel Studios TV series on Disney+, WandaVision sets up several upcoming MCU Phase 4 movies and shows. The Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany-led series wrapped up its nine-episode run with a finale that has spawned various opinions; some liked how it kept the show character-driven, primarily focusing on Wanda’s personal arc, while others were let down with how almost none of the floating theories about the show came to fruition. But, it’s important to remember that WandaVision is just the beginning of this new age of storytelling for Marvel Studios, with a stacked slate on its heels.
Originally, WandaVision wasn’t going to kick off MCU Phase 4 and not even be its first Disney+ content. But due to the coronavirus pandemic that forced Hollywood and the rest of the world to a standstill, Marvel Studios had to reshuffle their schedule a couple of times; that includes pushing back its movie slate and leading with its small screen offerings. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was supposed to open up this new age of storytelling for the franchise, but due to delays in production, WandaVision was rolled out ahead of it.
In hindsight, it seemed to work for the best for Marvel Studios; not only did the show become a hit, establishing what to be expected in terms of quality from their Disney+ content, but it also set up several upcoming stories. While some of them are very straightforward, like Scarlet Witch’s ending being a springboard for her encounter with Doctor Strange in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, others are subtle. Here’s how the events of WandaVision lead up to the rest of Phase 4.
Marvel Studios isn’t taking a long break between their Disney+ shows, with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier releasing almost straight after WandaVision. As with their films, Marvel Studios is going in an entirely different direction when it comes to tone and genre, with their next endeavor to keep superhero fatigue at bay; instead of further exploring the magical pocket of the MCU, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will be more grounded as it tackles Captain America’s legacy. While the shows couldn’t be any more different, they both deal with the reinstatement of the Sokovia Accords. As established in WandaVision, the mandate is still in effect, making it easier for Hayward to paint Wanda as the villain for his personal goals. Sam and Bucky, more likely, will be subjected to the same treatment as they’re also from Team Cap; this is already hinted at with Falcon being stripped off of his claim to the Captain America shield and mantle.