2020 was quite the year. And if casting your memory back a few months feels more like trying to remember several years ago, you’re not alone. So we’ve brought all the big stories from this year together in one place. Here are the biggest 2020 developments from Marvel.
10. Hailee Steinfeld Revealed As Kate Bishop In Hawkeye Before Official Announcement
First there was a leaked video of Steinfeld filming with Jeremy Renner in New York. Then, much more detailed pictures of her Kate Bishop look dropped. All before Marvel planned to officially announce Steinfeld’s casting during Disney Investor Day.
9. Marvel Casts Kamala Khan (aka Ms. Marvel)
Iman Vellani was cast as Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel. The character will be Marvel Studios’ first Muslim superhero.
8. “Mighty Thor” Arc Confirmed For Thor: Love and Thunder
Natalie Portman confirmed her character Jane Foster will return for Thor: Love and Thunder. The newest movie in the series will see Portman pick up the Thor mantle herself, adapting the “Mighty Thor” arc from Marvel comics.
7. Spider-Man 3 Adds Familiar Faces
Spider-Man 3 is shaping up to be an expansive crossover event. This year confirmed a ton of casting developments for the upcoming sequel. Jamie Foxx’s Electro and Alfred Molina’s Doc Oc will both return for the film. Plus, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Dr. Strange will appear in the movie to mentor Peter.
6. Marvel Films Skip SDCC
San Diego Comic-Con became Comic-Con@Home this year due to the pandemic. But most of the big-name MCU titles didn’t make the virtual jump. No Marvel films had Comic-Con panels, nor did fans get new information about the most anticipated Disney+ series.
5. Marvel Gets Back Rights To The Defenders Characters
Daredevil. Jessica Jones. Luke Cage. Iron Fist. Punisher. Basically, all the Marvel characters featured on Netflix for a time will shift back to Marvel. And though we haven’t officially heard about any new movies/shows for these characters, it’s now a possibility again.
4. COVID Delays Entire MCU Film Slate
The COVID pandemic led to sweeping changes in the entertainment industry. After movie theaters closed – and with many yet to reopen – studios scrambled to restructure their theatrical release schedule. After multiple delays and adjustments, Marvel finally revealed its final (or at least, most recent) update, showing the next MCU feature as Black Widow premiering in May 2021. That means NO Marvel features debuted in 2020, making it the first year in a decade to go without a heroic release.
3. The Passing of Chadwick Boseman
This year saw the tragic passing of actor Chadwick Boseman, known in the MCU for his role as Black Panther. Boseman passed away after a four-year battle with colon cancer. He will be greatly missed by fans.
2. A Ton of New Marvel Content Announced For Disney+
Though fans missed out on major SDCC updates, Disney Investor Day proved huge for Marvel. The studio revealed plans for 4 previously unannounced shows (Secret Invasion, Ironheart, Armor Wars, I Am Groot), plus a Guardians of the Galaxy holiday special. Marvel also revealed/confirmed additional casting for Hawkeye, She-Hulk, Thor Love & Thunder, Shang-Chi and more. Plus, a new Fantastic Four feature film.
1. Trailers Drop For ‘Loki,’ ‘Falcon and Winter Soldier,’ More Disney+ Shows
In a year that seemed so devoid of Marvel content, it’s no surprise fans went wild when trailers started dropping left and right during Disney Investor Day. Coming off the heels of a slightly earlier WandaVision announcement, Marvel debuted hotly anticipated trailers for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Loki. Fans also got a first look at What If…? and a sizzle reel teasing Ms. Marvel. Watch them all here.
So, what Marvel story was the biggest for you this year? Let us know in the comments what you’re most looking forward to in 2021.
