The extended wait for Marvel Studios' next project only added to the anticipation already built by everything that's set to be coming in Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Though the movie slate won't begin premiering in theaters for at least a few months, the MCU is bringing that hype in a new way with storytelling on Disney+, starting off with the first four weeks of WandaVision.
After the first three hours of footage, it's safe to say that the MCU fandom and critics alike are hooked, waiting for new material every week. This will continue in the rest of 2021 thanks to five more Disney+ shows planned between now and the end of the year.
The next one set to premiere is The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Recently released statistics are even indicating that the hype that started with WandaVision is increasing to another level for Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes' next adventure.
THE FANS WANT SAM AND BUCKY
According to a new report from TV Time, via ComicBook.com, viewer anticipation for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier about 40 days from its release is around 200% of what The Mandalorian's hype was at the same pre-release interval. Additionally, five weeks before its release, the numbers for anticipation are about 43% higher than they were five weeks before WandaVision.
The chart below tracks the quantified viewer anticipation for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, The Mandalorian, and WandaVision versus days from release.
CORRECTION: THE FANS NEED SAM AND BUCKY
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will be the first Phase 4 property in the MCU to be set squarely in the real world, and fans clearly want to find out what lies ahead for the two Marvel heroes. Even for how much success The Mandalorian has had since it debuted in November 2019, the fact that the hype is so much higher statistically for the MCU's second Disney+ series is staggering.
There are so many unique questions that need answers when Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan return to the MCU, and this series should address plenty of them. What are the fall-outs from the Sokovia Accords? Who is the real Captain America? Will Sam Wilson take over the mantle? What are the world and universe dealing with after both The Snap and The Blip?
In the final moments of Avengers: Endgame, the door was busted wide open for Sam and Bucky's story to continue when Steve Rogers passed the Captain America shield and mantle to the Falcon. His internal struggles with his new responsibility, along with Bucky's continuing efforts to find himself in this new world, are some of the most intriguing plot lines brought to the MCU in a while.
Additionally, while Sam and Bucky deal with their own personal demons, they will have to relearn how to work together as Daniel Brühl's Helmut Zemo wreaks havoc all over the world. With so much on the way in a series that's only six episodes long, it's undeniable that fans and MCU stars alike want to find out what's next for this classic duo.
All will be revealed when The Falcon and the Winter Soldier premieres on Disney+ on March 19, 2021.
