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COVID-19: Marvel’s True Phase 4 Villain

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States in March of 2020, the long-term effects were relatively unknown. All places of work began to close, meaning actors couldn’t come in and film. Marvel’s phase 4, consisting of Disney+ shows and several movies, was ultimately delayed. Fast forward to the present day, and we have overcome many of the pandemic’s challenges. Yet somehow, the coronavirus continues to be the antagonist of Marvel’s future endeavors. Let’s take a look at how Marvel has been affected by the pandemic, and how it plans to ultimately move forward. 

 

One of the earliest projects affected by the pandemic was The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. The show was supposed to be the first Marvel show to debut on Disney+. Instead, WandaVision was the first show to premiere. This is because Disney stopped production from Marvel on March 10, 2020, due to fears over the coronavirus outbreak. When fans finally got to see The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, the effects of the pandemic were definitely noticeable. Plotlines were condensed, and the overall show was cut short in episode length as well. “The coronavirus has already claimed 3000 lives worldwide, spreading quickly with the potential to do serious damage to the global economy. By the time the show premieres on Disney+ this August, it could meet the criteria of a true pandemic, and from what we’ve heard, Disney could be trying to get ahead of a potential disaster with rewriting and reshooting some of the series, with a heavy emphasis on the first couple episodes.” This statement, issued by Disney, explains the reasoning behind the plot change, however, it was one of many to come.

 

On October 19th, 2021, Disney delayed iconic films such as Doctor Strange 2, Thor 4, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The major release date shuffle comes after Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” cemented its place as a pandemic-era box office hit and ahead of “Eternals,” the MCU entry that is scheduled for Nov. 5. Although COVID-19 played a role in this delay, it is different than in 2020. Fans theorize that it is the lack of movie theater attendance that ultimately scares Disney from releasing into theatres. Although Shang-Chi topped over $200 million at the box office, this ranks 18th for all Marvel movie productions. Disney prides itself on hiring the best actors and directors, has a goal of breaking records with every new film they produce. In regards to Disney+, Disney has maintained their focus on producing movies for theater release, stating that they have committed to an “exclusive theatrical release window”. After issues with Black Widow on Disney+, they are looking to not only make the highest profit but do right by their fans and actors. The movies on schedule for 2021 will play exclusively in theaters for 45 days before moving to digital platforms. 

The domino effect created by the COVID-19 pandemic makes it difficult for Disney to deliver a quality movie experience for their fans. However, given Disney’s stellar track record, fans should anticipate films of the highest standard and quality. “We’re very bullish and confident about our long-term sub growth,” Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Officer Bob Chapek said. “But we’re going to see a little bit more noise than I think maybe the Street expects in terms of our ultimate projections quarter-to-quarter.” As films such as Eternals and Spider-Man: No Way Home look to hit theatres this year, along with Disney+ shows such as Hawkeye, fans should enjoy what they have but also be excited for what is to come.