The Marvel Cinematic Universe will have to wait to make those Annihilation crossover hopes real, as the Multiverse Saga does not leave room for such a cosmic event. Marvel Studios provided a loose roap for where the franchise is going by confirming in 2022 that Phases 4-6 of the MCU are known as the Multiverse Saga. The announcement came after much speculation about what type of Marvel comic storylines could help guide the MCU after Avengers: Endgame. One of the most popular suggestions was a cosmic-heavy era that used the 2006 comic crossover Annihilation and its sequel Annihilation: Conquest as a base.
The appeal of the Avengers: Secret Wars as the final film of Phase 6, which is set to end in 2026. Due to Marvel's multiverse plans, an accurate adaptation of the Annihilation crossover has to wait, and that is already clear based on what projects are coming in the Multiverse Saga.
Marvel’s Cosmic Movies Have Taken A Backseat To The Multiverse
Marvel Studios has announced most of the Nova series in early development.
The absence of cosmic movies in the Multiverse Saga comes as the multiverse has instead understandably taken on greater importance to the overall narrative. Avengers: Secret Wars will all involve the multiverse. Marvel could surprise with The Marvels, Thunderbolts, or Fantastic 4 and give any of these projects a greater purpose in the Multiverse Saga. However, most MCU Phase 5 and 6 projects are unlikely to have surprise cosmic connections.
The MCU Needs The Annihilation Saga After Phase 6
Once the Multiverse Saga is over, though, the MCU could finally make the Annihilation Saga. The new cosmic-centric storytelling for the MCU would be a brilliant way to expand the franchise into the cosmos. This is where a new Guardians of the Galaxy team, the Annihilators team, and several cosmic heroes could unite for an epic story. The comic version of Annihilation is about these galactic heroes ing to fight against the Annihilation Wave. It gave Nova, Silver Surfer, Super-Skrull, Quasar, and others prominent roles, which is notable considering none of them have been introduced to the MCU.
After focusing on the original Avengers and Thanos in the Infinity Saga and then a collection of new heroes and some familiar through the multiverse in the Multiverse Saga, the MCU doing an Annihilation Saga would be perfect. The Fantastic Four and Adam Warlock could return to play prominent roles, while Marvel could also introduce cosmic-based X-Men teams, like Starjammers, to further build up mutants. Furthermore, it could present a powerful new villain through Annihilus and even be a chance for Ultron to return in a surprising fashion. Now it is up to Marvel Studios to bring an Annihilation Saga to the MCU.
