Every MCU 2023 project, ranked from 'Meh' to 'Can't Freakin' Wait'

Expect Phase 5 of the MCU to culminate the Multiverse Saga.

The recent release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever marks the end of an unbalanced Phase 4 of the MCU. However, with the release of Ant-Man and the Wasp back in February, the juggernaut franchise isn't slowing down or taking a break, and it's returning in full force with: Quantumania, thus marking the start of Phase 5.

The MCU has a full slate for 2023, with three movies and six Disney+ shows announced, and fans are already excited about these projects. While they're all highly anticipated, some are more intriguing than others, both because of their premise and impact on the larger MCU.

9/9 'Echo'

Maya Lopez made her debut in Hawkeye, arguably the most memorable of the Phase 4 projects. However, she's a compelling and interesting character with great potential, and it's nice to see such a prominent disabled character in a universe that rarely includes them.

Alas, Echo seems to be a standalone adventure rather than another cornerstone in the multiverse saga. While the addition of Kingpin and Daredevil will greatly increase its popularity, the divisiveness these characters receive during their MCU debuts could do more harm than good. The Echo arrives in December 2023, which means it'll be another holiday adventure Just like its predecessor.

8/9 'What If...?' — Season 2

What if...? With an interesting premise and colorful and energetic animation. Untethered from the constraints of the live-action MCU, the show is free to explore every corner of the Marvel multiverse, including their myriad possibilities. However, season 1 wasn't the smash hit some expected; still, it generated enough goodwill among critics and fans alike to warrant a second season.

The follow-up film will be released in early 2023, but an official premiere date has not yet been announced. Fans already know what they want from What If...? In season 2, some of their ideas may make it to the screen, at least in some form. Phases 4 through 6 are multiverse saga, so what if...? has become more integral to the MCU than some expected.

7/9 'Ironheart'

Wakanda Forever introduces Riri Williams to the MCU. Best known as the superhero Heart of Steel, Riri played a pivotal role in the film, developing her suit and establishing herself as a major player in the universe. Her performance has received critical acclaim, making her upcoming show a hot commodity.

Details about Ironheart are still under wraps, but given Anthony Ramos' upcoming role as The Hood, the show is shaping up to be a science-and-magic story. However, With so few clues about the show's story, fans didn't know what to expect. Still, Sacha Baron Cohen is reportedly set to play some long-awaited demon, which could go a long way toward turning the show into the biggest hit of the summer.

6/9 'The Marvels'

It's been three years since Captain Marvel made his MCU debut in the 2019 film of the same name. 2023 will finally bring a sequel to her first solo outing. She'll join two other heroes in the spotlight: Monica Rambeau, who first appeared in WandaVision, and 2022 Ms. Marvel star Kamala Khan.

Ms. Marvel was one of the best heroes introduced in Phase 4, while Monica was one of WandaVision's many highlights. Marvel will see them and Captain Marvel "switch places with each other every time they use their powers". The premise is intriguing, and fans will really appreciate Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. However, with so few details about it, and friendly fire from other MCU properties, Marvel probably won't be at the top of many fan lists.

5/9 'Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania'

The character of Ant-Man in the MCU has never been particularly prominent. Like an ant-sized hero that has always felt small, almost insignificant, especially compared to The general threat the Avengers usually face. Quantumania, however, pulled out all the stops for Scott Lang and company by bringing them back into the Multiverse Saga's big villain: Kang the Conqueror trapped in the Quantum Realm.

After debuting the character in Loki's season finale, Jonathan Majors will finally reveal his true vision of the Conqueror. With so many rumors surrounding the film, and the fact that it's the final installment in the Ant-Man trilogy, Quantum Mania has become one of the most anticipated projects in Phase Five. Luckily for fans, it's the first to premiere, coming in February.

4/9 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3'

James Gunn has already stepped out of the MCU, so Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will serve as his farewell to the franchise. Also, the film will serve as the final chapter of the Guardians story, which means some characters may not make it out alive.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Guardians have become the backbone of the MCU. The thought of saying goodbye to them -- or at least this iteration of the team -- is tough but necessary, especially given the MCU's ongoing storylines. The film will be Centered on Rocket, featuring advanced evolutions as antagonists, and introducing the mighty Adam Warlock into the MCU. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will be a huge step forward for the MCU's cosmic corner; more importantly, it will be the culmination of nearly a decade of stories that began with the first Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. Movies don't get more exciting than that.

3/9 'Agatha: Coven of Chaos'

Tribute to Agatha Harkness. Played by the comic genius of Kathryn Hahn, Agatha is the main villain of WandaVision, almost in the same vein as Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany ( Paul Bettany stole the entire film right under the nose of Paul Bettany. Hahn's portrayal has been acclaimed -- she's been nominated for an Emmy for her work, after all -- so it's no surprise that Marvel has approved a spinoff centered on her character.

Not much is known about Agatha: The Witch of Chaos, but every casting announcement makes fans more excited. Aubrey Plaza and Patti LuPone are huge, but Joe Locke has fans excited. It hasn't been confirmed that he's playing Wanda's son and Wiccan, one half of comic books' most famous gay couple, but everything seems to indicate he is. Thus, the Temple of Chaos became one of the The most eagerly awaited project of Phase 5 - the end of 2023 can't come soon enough.

2/9 'Loki' — Season 2

Loki season 1 was a major event. It's a watershed moment in the eponymous character's ongoing storyline, and expands on the MCU's Multiverse Saga theme. Tom Hiddleston finally flexes his sizable acting muscles, while newcomers Owen Wilson and Sofia Di Martino provide plenty of support. Finally, the introduction of He Who Remains hints at an even more exciting and confusing second season.

After a two-year wait, Loki will return in mid-2023. Ke Huy Quan, who just wrapped up his return in the movie Everything Everywhere All On Once, will join the action, adding a layer of cachet to an already impressive cast. Season 2 is sure to continue exploring the MCU's notions of time and space, with an exciting and puzzling adventure across the multiverse.

1/9 'Secret Invasion'

It might be an exaggeration to say that Secret Invasion is the best Marvel storyline, but it's definitely in the top 10. The story about the Skrulls infiltrating Earth agencies for years to take control and ambitiously conquer the planet is a major turning point in the Marvel comics so it's just a question time before it enters the MCU.

Secret Invasion stars Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, which hints at a more serious and darker story than previous Disney+ shows, which were mostly comedic and lighthearted. The all-star cast includes returning hits including Kirby Smulders, Ben Mendelsohn and Martin Freeman, as well as a host of exciting new faces, including Emilia Clarke, Kingsley Ben - Adil and Olivia Colman, Secret Invasion is a must-see. It's unclear if the show will be as bold as its source material, but all the elements are there to make it the best MCU Disney+ show yet. Expectations are high, as they should be.