Phase Four of the MCU is just getting started as WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier air on Disney+. The massive slate announced so far is packed with a large variety of heroes and villains across films and series, some of which will be making their live-action debut in this next round of MCU projects.
Little has been shown by the studio from any of their properties past the July 9 release, Black Widow. However, fans can always count on leaks to reveal tidbits of exciting information; a common outlet for that comes through toy and merchandising outlets.
LEAK REVEALS NEW CONCEPT ART FOR PHASE 4
A post shared on Reddit based on information from an anonymous leaker has revealed a look at reference images for upcoming merchandise that will be produced for three projects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Phase 4.
The concept images shown in the leak were offered to a toy manufacturer by Marvel and Disney as production materials. Check out the descriptions below:
A NEW LEAK pic.twitter.com/Yb7b0VRaWe
— Zane ⧗ (@avengersavenue) March 25, 2021
Several pieces of concept art for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness reveal the first images of the updated designs for several major returning characters, including Doctor Strange, Wong, Mordo, and Scarlet Witch.
Additionally, these photos reveal the first look at Xochitl Gomez's debut as America Chavez, along with a mysterious white-haired female character. The art seemingly indicates the unknown character will use magical powers, with this most likely being the sorceress Clea. The witch has been previously rumored to appear in the film, but Marvel Studios is yet to confirm her role in the film, and no actress has yet been cast.
Late 2021 will see the return of Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye in his own Disney+ series, and the recent toy leak offers new looks at several key players.
Renner himself is shown to be sporting a new, more casual look for the series. Meanwhile, his sidekick Kate Bishop is interestingly shown in costume with her face blanked out, most likely meaning the images predate Hailee Steinfeld's casting in the role.
Following the release of Black Widow this summer, Natasha Romanoff's fellow Russian spy Yelena Belova will make her return in modern-day during the Hawkeye series. It's hard to predict how large her role will be in the series, but this leak appears to reveal both masked and unmasked looks for the spy, suggesting she will likely have more than just a fleeting role.
Lastly, the various concept images from Ms. Marvel included a look at several outfits Kamala Khan will don in her series including a casual attire, along with the best look yet at her superhero costume. The set of merchandise also includes a Captain Marvel costume and helmet. It's unclear if Kamala will be wearing these herself during the show — as she is a huge fan of the Avenger — or if Carol Danvers may show up for an episode or two.
The final image reveals a mysterious male figure wearing a green top with black trousers and some red material around his neck. As of now, it is hard to identify who exactly this character is, but his inclusion in merchandise likely indicates he will be involved in the action in some capacity.
The most likely identity for the unknown figure is Kareem, who will be played by Aramis Knight in the series. In Marvel Comics, Kareem has been known to fight crime under the alias of Red Dagger, and has a romantic connection with Kamala herself, with both sharing a Pakistani background.
MARVEL'S BIGGEST LEAK IN A LONG TIME
A leak of this scale is rare for Marvel Studios and is extremely significant for the studio.
Nothing has been officially released from the Sam Raimi-directed Doctor Strange sequel. However, these images offer fans a look at some major costume changes for the lead character, also providing the first look at America Chavez and a female character that is most likely Clea. In Marvel Comics, Clea is a powerful sorceress, the niece of the villainous Dormammu, and a romantic interest to Doctor Strange.
The Hawkeye images don't offer anything too special, as both Yelena and Kate Bishop were already confirmed to appear in the series. As Kate has a blank face in these images, it can be assumed Steinfeld was yet to be cast at the point they were designed.
Yelena will finally debut this summer as Black Widow releases in theaters and on Disney+ on July 9. Given Natasha Romanoff is dead in the modern-day, Belova will likely take up the spy mantle in the future of the MCU. The character warranting her own toy with multiple variants would seem to indicate she will play a fairly major role, beyond just a cameo.
Little is known regarding the specifics of the Ms. Marvel series; however, the leaked concept art has offered the best look yet at Kamala Khan suited up for action. It's clear she will be just as much of a Captain Marvel fan in the series as she typically is in Marvel Comics, with both her suit and helmet being shown. Kamala will appear in Captain Marvel 2, so it's possible Danvers could swing by in the Disney+ series.
While Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness isn't set to hit theaters until March 2022, both Ms. Marvel and Hawkeye will debut on Disney+ in late 2021.
