Marvel vs. DC: Comprehensive Guide to Their Future Film Slate

The epic rivalry between Marvel and DC has long captivated audiences, not just in the pages of comic books, but increasingly on the big and small screens. With cinematic universes expanding at an unprecedented rate, fans are constantly on the lookout for the next big event, the next hero, or the next crossover. If you're wondering what's next for your favorite caped crusaders and mighty mutants, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide delves into the thrilling future film slate for both titans, offering a glimpse into the highly anticipated marvel and dc movies and series set to dominate pop culture.

From interconnected sagas to standalone masterpieces, the landscape of superhero storytelling is more diverse and ambitious than ever before. Let's break down what's coming from each powerhouse, complete with insights and what makes each project a must-watch.

The MCU's Ambitious Phase 4 and Beyond: A Multiversal Expansion

Following the monumental conclusion of the Infinity Saga with Avengers: Endgame, Marvel Studios has embarked on an expansive new era, officially dubbed Phase 4. This phase is characterized by a deeper dive into the multiverse, a stronger integration of Disney+ series with theatrical releases, and the introduction of a host of new heroes. The strategy is clear: continue to build a vast, interconnected narrative that keeps audiences invested in every single story.

Key Marvel Theatrical Releases on the Horizon:

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (September 3, 2021): This film introduces a brand-new hero to the MCU, master of weaponry-based Kung Fu, Shang-Chi. Forced to confront his past and the mysterious Ten Rings organization, this movie promises groundbreaking action and a rich cultural narrative, expanding the MCU's global reach.
Eternals (November 5, 2021): Directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao, Eternals will introduce an immortal alien race who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years, shaping its history and civilizations. This movie is poised to dramatically expand the cosmic side of the MCU, delving into mythology and the very origins of humanity.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (December 17, 2021): Building on the cliffhanger from Far From Home, Peter Parker's life is turned upside down. With rumors swirling about multiverse implications and returning characters from past Spider-Man iterations, this is arguably one of the most anticipated marvel and dc movies of the year, promising a universe-altering event.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (March 25, 2022): Directly tying into the events of WandaVision and likely Spider-Man: No Way Home, this sequel is set to fully unleash the multiverse. Doctor Strange will team up with a mysterious teen capable of traveling across dimensions to battle alternate versions of himself. Expect mind-bending visuals and potentially huge ramifications for the MCU.
Thor: Love and Thunder (May 6, 2022): Taika Waititi returns to direct, bringing back Chris Hemsworth's Thor, Natalie Portman's Jane Foster (who will wield Mjolnir as Mighty Thor), and the Guardians of the Galaxy. The blend of humor and cosmic action promises another vibrant entry in the Thor saga.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (July 8, 2022): The highly emotional and anticipated sequel will explore the people of Wakanda as they fight to protect their home from intervening world powers, all while mourning the death of their king, T'Challa. This film is set to honor Chadwick Boseman's legacy while forging a powerful new path for Wakanda.
The Marvels (November 11, 2022): This sequel to Captain Marvel will see Brie Larson's Carol Danvers team up with Monica Rambeau (from WandaVision) and Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel from her upcoming Disney+ series). It's a significant step towards a new generation of Marvel heroes.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (February 17, 2023): The third Ant-Man film promises a deeper dive into the Quantum Realm, potentially featuring the formidable Kang the Conqueror. Expect more clever shrinking antics mixed with high-stakes multiversal adventure.

Expanding the MCU on Disney+:

Marvel's Disney+ series are not just spin-offs; they are integral to Phase 4, directly impacting future films. Recent hits like WandaVision, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, and Loki have already set a high bar.

What If...? (August 11, 2021): An animated series exploring alternate timelines and pivotal moments in the MCU. This show fully embraces the multiverse concept, offering fresh takes on beloved characters.
Hawkeye (Late 2021): Clint Barton passes the bow and arrow to Kate Bishop, a new skilled archer. This series will delve into the street-level heroes of the MCU.
Ms. Marvel (Late 2021): Introducing Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teen from New Jersey who gains incredible powers. This series is a vibrant addition, focusing on a younger hero finding her place.
Moon Knight (2022): Oscar Isaac stars as the complex hero Marc Spector, a mercenary with dissociative identity disorder who becomes a conduit for the Egyptian moon god Khonshu. Expect a darker, psychologically driven narrative.
She-Hulk (2022): Tatiana Maslany stars as Jennifer Walters, a lawyer who gains Hulk-like powers. The series is expected to blend legal comedy with superhero action.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (Late 2022): A festive treat from James Gunn, bridging the gap between Thor: Love and Thunder and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

DC's Multiversal Momentum: The Future of the DCEU and Beyond

DC has taken a slightly different, yet equally exciting, approach. While they continue to build their core DCEU, they're also embracing the multiverse to allow for standalone films (like Joker and the upcoming The Batman) that exist outside the main continuity. This strategy offers creative freedom and diverse storytelling, providing unique takes on iconic characters and expanding the appeal of marvel and dc movies to broader audiences.

DC's Theatrical Powerhouses:

The Suicide Squad (July 30, 2021): James Gunn's R-rated reboot/sequel brings back Harley Quinn and introduces a host of new, quirky villains on a perilous mission. It’s a bold, irreverent ride that revitalizes the team.
The Batman (March 4, 2022): Robert Pattinson steps into the cowl for a gritty, detective-focused take on the Dark Knight, set in his second year of fighting crime. This film promises a darker, more grounded vision of Gotham, separate from the main DCEU continuity.
DC League of Super-Pets (May 20, 2022): A family-friendly animated adventure featuring the pets of DC superheroes, voiced by an all-star cast including Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Krypto the Super-Dog. This is a delightful addition to the ever-growing slate.
Black Adam (July 29, 2022): Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson finally brings the anti-hero Black Adam to the big screen. This film promises to introduce a powerful new force into the DCEU, challenging the traditional notions of heroism.
The Flash (November 4, 2022): Ezra Miller's Flash gets his solo movie, heavily featuring the multiverse as Barry Allen potentially breaks time and space. This film is expected to bring back multiple Batmen (Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck) and has massive implications for the future of the DCEU.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (December 16, 2022): Jason Momoa returns as Arthur Curry in the highly anticipated sequel to the wildly successful first film. Expect more stunning underwater visuals, epic action, and further exploration of Atlantis.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods (June 2, 2023): Zachary Levi returns as the magically powered hero. The sequel will continue the story of Billy Batson and his super-powered foster family, facing new threats and embracing the fun-loving spirit of the first film.

DC's Animated and Streaming Offerings:

Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two (July 27, 2021): An acclaimed animated adaptation of the classic comic storyline, showcasing the early days of Batman's war on crime. DC continues to excel in the animated feature space.

For a more detailed breakdown of every upcoming entry, check out our Your Guide to Every Marvel & DC Movie & Show: 2021-2023.

Beyond the Mainstream: Sony's Spider-Verse and Other Ventures

While the MCU and DCEU dominate the conversation, other studios are also expanding their comic book cinematic universes. Sony, holding the film rights to Spider-Man and related characters, has forged its own path, sometimes intersecting with Marvel Studios.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage (September 15, 2021): Tom Hardy returns as Eddie Brock/Venom, facing off against Woody Harrelson's Cletus Kasady, who transforms into the terrifying Carnage. This sequel promises more intense symbiotic action and a darker tone.
Morbius (January 28, 2022): Jared Leto stars as Dr. Michael Morbius, a biochemist who attempts to cure his rare blood disease, only to inadvertently infect himself with a form of vampirism. This film expands Sony's Universe of Marvel Characters, hinting at connections to Spider-Man.
Untitled Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse sequel (October 7, 2022): The highly anticipated follow-up to the Academy Award-winning animated masterpiece. Expect breathtaking animation, multiple Spider-People, and a groundbreaking narrative that pushes the boundaries of superhero storytelling.

Beyond these, there are also family-friendly animated series like Spidey and His Amazing Friends (August 6, 2021) and Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (2022), showcasing that the world of marvel and dc movies and shows caters to all ages and demographics.

The Verdict: What to Expect from the Superhero Giants

The coming years promise an unprecedented amount of superhero content. Marvel is doubling down on its interconnected universe, using streaming to deepen character arcs and seamlessly integrate new heroes, while boldly venturing into the multiverse. DC, on the other hand, is leveraging its rich history to offer both a cohesive DCEU narrative and compelling standalone stories, giving filmmakers more creative freedom. Sony continues to build its own interconnected web of Spider-Man characters, sometimes dancing at the edges of the MCU.

For fans, this means an embarrassment of riches. The sheer volume of content, however, also presents a challenge: how to keep up? Our advice is to prioritize based on your favorite characters or storylines. If you love deep, interconnected sagas, the MCU's Phase 4 is your main event. If you prefer diverse takes and self-contained cinematic visions, DC's slate offers incredible variety. And if you're a Spider-Man enthusiast, Sony's universe has plenty to offer.

To see the full 2021-2023 lineup in one place, explore the Essential Marvel & DC Movies & Shows: Full 2021-2023 Lineup.

Ultimately, the "Marvel vs. DC" debate isn't about one winning over the other, but about celebrating the vibrant, evolving world of comic book adaptations. Both studios are pushing boundaries, exploring new narratives, and delivering high-quality entertainment. The future of marvel and dc movies is bright, diverse, and packed with enough action, drama, and wonder to satisfy every kind of superhero fan.