MCU: 10 Characters Destined To Leave The Franchise In Phase 5

Last year's Avengers Endgame not only marked the end of a decade-long saga expanding across over twenty films, but also marked the end of a number of key actor's contracts. With two of the franchise' biggest characters taking a bow and stepping away from their roles, the new generation of Avengers heroes looms ever closer.

Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Doctor Strange and Ant-Man are but a few of the familiar heroes moving forward, but how long will they last? Phase 4 has already been confirmed to mark the introduction of some new faces, including The Eternals and Shang-Chi. And we know Marvel isn't slowing down.

Last year the acquisition of Fox by Disney gave Marvel Studios the keys to a number intellectual properties including Fantastic Four, the X-Men and (already confirmed) Blade.

With Marvel Studios now able to bring even MORE characters into their universe, we have to accept the inevitable and acknowledge that some characters are going to be leaving the franchise. Whether it be from a character's narrative concluding, actors' contracts ending or maybe the speculation that some of these actors want to branch out and try new things.

In this list are ten characters from the previous phases who are likely (but unconfirmed) to be leaving the MCU franchise after the Phase 4 films have made their run. They're all subject to contract and appearances, and could change by the time you've finished reading this. But as it stands, make preparations to see these heroes depart in about five years.

It's not wishful thinking to imagine one of the most powerful (and entertaining to watch) Avengers characters would not be around after the Phase 4 run.

Especially since Doctor Steven Strange is so seminal in the Marvel universe, but with only one film left in Benedict Cumberbatch's current contract (Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness), if the next standalone film doesn't mark his exit, one more "Team-Up" film might.

Benedict is an actor in demand, and while Disney and Marvel have all the money under the sun, who's not to say, the actor will won't branch out and try different roles before he finds himself locked down by priority and First Choice filming with Marvel?

It's not news to learn actors are extending their contracts, but given the end of the Infinity Saga and growth of Marvel, some characters might have filled their purpose.

If the new Avengers lineup is to include Doctor Strange as a main player it will be an exciting direction for the series to go down; but with new and long-awaited IP now in Disney's possession there is a chance that older incantations will be set aside for the newcomers.