10 Big Changes The MCU Could Introduce In Phase 4
2. Branching Out Into New Genres
Marvel Studios has enjoyed great success when expanding its cinematic universe into new genres, whether it's the spy thriller with Captain America: The Winter Soldier, or sci-fi with the Guardians of the Galaxy series. In the latter's case, it worked out so well that director James Gunn is now drawing up plans for a sub-series of cosmic movies.
Given that experimentation has paid off so far, expect to see more of it in Phase 4 and beyond. The MCU is adaptable and there are few genres it couldn't pull off with the right talent on board. A superhero rom-com is probably out of the question, but horror elements could work if the reports of an R-rate label are accurate.
Embracing a darker tone would pave the way for characters like Blade, Man-Thing and a new version of Ghost Rider to join the series, making it even broader than before.
These characters would bring new storytelling possibilities to the franchise and help it appeal to new fans, those who like their superheroes dark and gritty. Like the adult-themed characters Marvel is reclaiming from Fox, these guys could occupy their own corner of the MCU and occasionally influence its overarching story.