10 Things To Expect From Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 4

6. Major Characters Being Phased Out Or Replaced

Along with the potential departure of the Russos, it's only natural that a number of the top-line actors will end up aging out of their parts over the next few years.

Robert Downey Jr., for instance, will be in his mid-fifties by the time Phase 4 begins, which combined with his ambivalence over a fourth Iron Man movie, may make it a smart time to retire the character. Kevin Feige has suggested Tony Stark possibly wouldn't be recast, at least any time soon, which seems like a canny move.

Elsewhere, Chris Evans wants to transition into filmmaking, and there's an easy out for either Bucky or Falcon to take up the Captain America mantle, so that'll be effortlessly smooth.

Also, don't be surprised if Chris Hemsworth ends up ducking out within the next five years, and considering the supernatural nature of his character, it'd be pretty easy to send him to Hell and give him a gender-swapped resurrection.

It'll result in some creative challenges moving forward for the MCU, sure, but if they can keep a steady conveyor belt of young talent coming in, then the transition should be fairly smooth.