How the Pandemic Altered the MCU and DCEU Release Schedules

If the COVID-19 pandemic had never happened, the release schedules for Marvel's Cinema Universe (MCU) and DC's Extended Universe (DCEU) would have likely followed more traditional timelines. This article speculates on how the slates might have appeared without the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Slate

By August 2023, several films would have already been released or would have been part of a more consistent release pattern. Here is a speculative look at the MCU slate:

Released by August 2023:

Black Widow Originally set for May 2020 Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Originally set for July 2021 Eternals Originally set for November 2021 Spider-Man: No Way Home Originally set for December 2021 Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Originally set for March 2022 Thor: Love and Thunder Originally set for May 2022 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Originally set for November 2022

Upcoming by August 2023:

The Marvels Originally set for November 2022, might have released in early 2023 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Originally set for May 2023 Fantastic Four Potential release in 2023 or early 2024 Avengers: The Kang Dynasty Speculative release possibly in 2024 Avengers: Secret Wars Speculative release possibly in 2025

DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Slate

Similar to the MCU, the DCEU would have had a more consistent and uninterrupted release schedule. Here's a speculative look at the DCEU slate:

Released by August 2023:

Wonder Woman 1984 Originally set for June 2020 but released in December 2020 The Suicide Squad Originally set for August 2021 Zack Snyder's Justice League Released in March 2021 Black Adam Originally set for July 2022 The Flash Originally set for June 2022 Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Originally set for December 2022

Upcoming by August 2023:

Shazam! Fury of the Gods Potential release earlier, possibly in 2022 Batgirl Originally set for late 2022 but canceled Wonder Woman 3 Possibly in development, for 2023 or 2024 Man of Steel 2 Speculative, possibly in development for 2024 Justice League sequel Speculative, possibly in development for 2025

Summary

In this alternate timeline, both the MCU and DCEU would have had a more consistent and uninterrupted release schedule. The MCU would have seen its Phase 4 films released more closely to their original dates, while the DCEU would have potentially benefited from a more stable production environment, potentially leading to additional films being released or in development. However, the exact impact of the pandemic on storytelling and character development remains speculative, as the creative direction of both franchises could have shifted based on audience reception and industry trends.

Given the shifting landscape of the film industry and the continued unpredictable nature of production, it's fascinating to speculate on what might have been. These hypothetical release schedules give us a glimpse into the potential paths these two major film franchises could have taken without the unprecedented disruptions of the pandemic.