MCU Phase 4: 10 Ways It's Setting The Stage For An Epic Phase 5

10. Meet The Thunderbolts

There are a tonne of rumours about the Thunderbolts coming to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it's easy enough to see where the groundwork is being laid for this villainous group. Baron Zemo is returning in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, a series which it's believed will also feature Songbird.

They both have history with the Thunderbolts, with Zemo most commonly portrayed as their leader.

In Black Widow, it's thought Yelena Belova will take over the mantle from Natasha Romanoff, and rumour has it she and Taskmaster will be recruited to a mysterious new team by General "Thunderbolt" Ross in a post-credits scene (that Hulk villain bringing together a group of villains named after him certainly makes sense).

Clearly, Marvel Studios is taking a slow burn approach to the Thunderbolts assembling, and the pay off will almost certainly be seen in Phase 5. There, the Thunderbolts - whether they're posing as heroes or a Suicide Squad-style government outfit - can make a real impact and possibly even face the Avengers!