It is undeniable that Marvel has been struggling in recent years. Disney Plus is flooded with lackluster spin-off series, and each new movie seems to lack the energy and creativity that once made the franchise exciting. Over the past few years, the average Rotten Tomatoes score has steadily declined, with the newest Antman movie at 46%. 

That was until critics saw the most recent Captain America movie. The film follows an old friend of Cap’s, Sam Wilson, taking up the shield, introducing Harrison Ford as the Red Hulk. It’s action-packed, with a coherent plot, satisfying resolution, and plenty of excitement for the future of the MCU. It was a refreshing return to form. Many critics agree that after Endgame, Marvel felt lost. With Thanos gone, they struggled to find a compelling new direction. They turned to the multiverse, which, while initially intriguing, ultimately removed all stakes, as if a character died, another variant could simply take their place. This led to some fun but ultimately hollow storytelling, filled with B-rate superheroes. 

Now, however, Marvel seems to have a plan. As critic Mike Scott said, “For the first time since ‘Endgame,’ Marvel has given us a movie that truly feels like it lives up to the ‘Avengers’ tradition.” The next few years will be pivotal for the MCU, with Fantastic Four set to introduce a new Doctor Doom, Galactus, and other highly anticipated villains. The Skrulls, shapeshifting aliens teased for years, will play a larger role, and a slate of exciting new films is on the horizon, like Avengers: Doomsday, and Avengers Secret Wars. If executed well, this could be the revival Marvel fans have been waiting for.

Although there is plenty of excitement, reviews are still mixed, as many believe Hollywood has become oversaturated with superhero movies. Critic Ben Kaye believes that, “If Brave New World is a sign of things to come, then the MCU is in more trouble than we thought.” For the next couple of years, I would approach Marvel with an apprehensive eye, but keep a lookout for new projects. The future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe hangs in the balance.