In 2024, Marvel fans were treated to a lineup of thrilling films that showcased the diverse storytelling potential within the Marvel universe. While the mainstream focus often gravitates toward the MCU’s expansive timeline, films like Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse demonstrated the success achievable by non-MCU projects. In fact, Sony capitalized on this momentum by releasing three films within the Spider-Man Universe throughout the year.
The shifting landscape of upcoming Marvel releases was largely influenced by organizational adjustments and the ramifications of the SAG-AFTRA strikes, leading to significant delays for several projects. This restructuring has resulted in a variety of release date changes, with some films moved from 2023 to 2024, while others were postponed even further into 2024, and a few oddly preponed. Despite the challenges, the 2024 Marvel movie slate held considerable promise, with many films enjoying box office success or receiving positive critical acclaim, while others fell short of expectations.
Echo – January 9, 2024
A Surprising Return: Hawkeye’s Spin-Off
The first Marvel release of 2024 took many by surprise. Marketed as the anticipated return of Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio) and Daredevil (Charlie Cox) after their appearances in Hawkeye and Spider-Man: No Way Home, Echo ultimately focused on a different narrative. Contrary to the promotional material, the spotlight shone less on Daredevil and more on Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox) as she navigated her heritage and identity.
While the story had a solid foundation, reports indicated that uneven editing and an overzealous post-production process marred its execution. Despite these issues, Echo proudly offered strong representation and set the stage for Kingpin’s exciting future within the MCU.
Madame Web – February 14, 2024
A Lackluster Launch: Sony’s Madame Web
Kicking off the Marvel slate was the much-anticipated Madame Web, released on February 14, 2024. Initially slated for a later release, the film aimed to delight audiences with its diverse cast, including Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, and Adam Scott. Unfortunately, critics and audiences alike responded with disappointment, leading to a lackluster box office performance.
Madame Web garnered a dismal 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, narrowly failing to surpass the 15% of Morbius. The film’s marketing strategy drew criticism, particularly as cast members publicly voiced their dissatisfaction post-release. In the midst of this negativity, however, it managed to become a favorite among meme creators, drawing some humor from its missteps.
X-Men ’97 – March 20, 2024
A Triumph in Animation: Marvel’s X-Men ’97
Nearly three decades after its predecessor concluded, X-Men ’97 made a triumphant return, successfully capturing the spirit of the original series. With a dedicated creative team led by Beau DeMayo, the new series embraced nostalgia while charting innovative paths for the beloved characters.
Launched in March 2024, X-Men ’97 achieved a stunning 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, second only to Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. The series maintained a brisk pace across its ten episodes, skillfully adapting beloved comic arcs, including a compelling three-part take on Fatal Attractions. Critics hailed the show for its remarkable character development and engaging storylines, proving it was far from a mere cartoon revival.
Deadpool & Wolverine – July 26, 2024
A Long-Awaited Reunion: Deadpool & Wolverine
Deadpool & Wolverine signified a new chapter in the MCU, heralded as the first instance of a Fox character leading an MCU film. Released on July 26, 2024, the film marked the return of Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman reprising his role as Wolverine, despite earlier statements suggesting his departure from the franchise.
This highly anticipated sequel faced delays, initially set for May 3, 2024, and later for November 8, before ultimately landing in its mid-summer slot. As the only MCU film from Disney for 2024, it is poised to be a major commercial success, especially as previous films like Captain America: Brave New World were pushed to 2025, ensuring ample production time.
The film dazzled fans with a star-studded ensemble, featuring returning characters like Blind Al (Leslie Uggams) and Dopinder (Karan Soni), alongside fresh additions such as Emma Corrin and Matthew Macfadyen. A multiverse narrative guides Deadpool on a mission involving the Time Variance Authority (TVA), blending humor and heart as he teams up with a variant of Wolverine to thwart disaster.
LEGO Marvel Avengers: Mission Demolition – October 18, 2024
A Fun Family Adventure: LEGO Marvel Avengers Returns
Continuing its legacy, LEGO Marvel Avengers: Mission Demolition hit screens as the tenth installment in the popular franchise. Released just a year after LEGO Marvel Avengers: Code Red, this 40-minute special charmed audiences with its ensemble of beloved characters and added a sprinkle of humor, making it a delightful outing for families.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v/hqfL89ktaoY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v/hqfL89ktaoY
In a fun twist, Deadpool even made a cameo during the end credits, connecting it to the earlier success of Deadpool & Wolverine.
Venom: The Last Dance – October 25, 2024
The Conclusion of Tom Hardy’s Venom Saga
The release of Venom: The Last Dance on October 25, 2024 was highly anticipated as it wrapped up Tom Hardy’s portrayal of the iconic symbiote. Originally scheduled for July 12, 2024, and later shifted to November 8, this movie marked the conclusion of the Venom trilogy which began in 2018.
Despite being the most successful franchise within Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, each film in the series has seen diminishing returns at the box office. This latest installment appears to mirror that trend. With a lackluster box office and uncertainty surrounding future projects in the Spider-Man Universe following Kraven the Hunter, it remains to be seen how Sony will proceed.
The narrative focuses on Eddie Brock and Venom’s efforts to escape to New York, with Knull as a looming threat, setting the stage for potential future developments within the franchise.
Kraven The Hunter – December 13, 2024
An Uncertain Future: Kraven The Hunter
The final installment of Sony’s 2024 lineup, Kraven the Hunter, debuted on December 13, 2024, after several release date shifts. Its plot portrays a reimagined origin story for the infamous Spider-Man antagonist, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson. However, the film has received significant criticism, raising questions about its viability for sparking a new series.
With the lack of confirmed plans for subsequent films and minimal success from past releases, Kraven the Hunter may mark a pivotal moment for Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, potentially bringing it to a close.
Marvel’s What If…? Season 3 – December 22, 2024
The Grand Finale of the Multiverse Series
Initially launched in 2021, What If…? explored alternate realities within the MCU, allowing for exciting new interpretations of well-known stories. After two successful seasons, Marvel Studios unveiled the third and final season, concluding the year with both nostalgia and innovation.
As the concluding chapter not only for the series but also within the broader Multiverse Saga leading to Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027, this finale signifies a shift for Marvel’s approach to storytelling, allowing greater freedom to explore imaginative scenarios without being confined to a linear timeline.
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