Disney+ Reveals Shocking MCU Timeline Twists That Fans Never Expected!

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The latest update from Disney+ indicates that Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe features two significant deviations in the timeline. Starting with “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” in 2023, numerous movies and Disney+ series have followed suit, but as we approach the conclusion of Phase 5, astute fans have pointed out two instances that diverge from the norm.

In the timeline of stories told by Disney+’s MCU, the series “Echo” set for release in 2024 and “Ironheart,” recently launched by Marvel Studios, are considered exceptions within Phase 5. Unlike other projects in this phase, which follow a chronological order on the streaming platform, these two Disney+ shows have been scheduled between movies and shows from Phase 4.

Right now, the Disney+ Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline positions “Echo” as occurring after “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” which was released in 2022, but before “She-Hulk.” Additionally, “Ironheart,” which premiered on Disney+ on June 24, 2022 following “Thor: Love and Thunder,” is set prior to “Werewolf by Night” in October 2022. Despite being the final installment of Phase 4, “Ironheart” takes place before “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and the start of Phase 5.

To untangle this complex timeline even the storyteller Loki might find challenging, let’s break down where each Phase 5 project fits, and explain why these two Disney+ series are exceptions:

1. Each upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) project in Phase 5 is set to be part of a specific order within this phase.
2. However, the Disney+ shows “WandaVision” and “Loki” do not follow this linear progression as they are set within their respective characters’ timelines, acting as prequels or side stories that intersect with other Phase 5 projects.

The rest of the Marvel movies in Phase 5 will unfold one after another. But WandaVision and Loki have their own unique stories happening at different points in time, which will eventually connect with other films in this phase.

A Chronological Timeline of the MCU’s Phase 5 Projects

Echo

Originating from the world of Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld’s Hawkeye, the series Echo centers around Maya Lopez (portrayed by Alaqua Cox), who returns to her home after a significant encounter with Kingpin. Initially announced in 2021, Marvel Studios’ recent focus on quality and increased production output, coupled with the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes, caused delays in its release schedule. Consequently, although set just five months following the events of 2021’s Hawkeye and canonically in May of 2025, Echo ultimately premiered in full in January of 2024 under the Marvel Spotlight label.

Ironheart 

The latest Marvel Studios production, titled “Ironheart“, follows the character Riri Williams (played by Dominique Thorne), six months following the occurrences of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever“. Similar to the series “Echo“, it had several hold-ups after being announced in December 2020, and was filmed in 2022. Consequently, although the story takes place in 2025 within the universe, the premiere of the first three episodes didn’t occur until June 24, with the rest scheduled for release on July 1st.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s timeline, the 2023 movie titled “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” is set for release in the year 2026. This third installment of Ant-Man introduces viewers to the Quantum Realm, where the character Kang the Conqueror, portrayed by Jonathan Majors, makes his first appearance.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

During Phase 5 and following the special holiday adventure of The Guardians and Ant-Man 3, director James Gunn prioritized the emotional farewell of these characters rather than emphasizing their role in the continuing narrative of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Secret Invasion

Occurring at some point in 2026, following “Guardians of the Galaxy 3,” the espionage drama titled “Secret Invasion,” featuring Samuel L. Jackson, is a continuation, albeit set far away, from the Skrull-related events in “Captain Marvel” on Disney+.

The Marvels

2026 brings us a new tale titled “The Marvels” that serves as a sequel to “Captain Marvel.” Following the events of “Secret Invasion,” Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, and Monica Rambeau are left puzzled as they attempt to unravel why they have exchanged positions, an event that further complicates the expanding mystery of the Multiverse within the MCU.

Deadpool & Wolverine

In the timeline of Disney+ and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Ryan Reynolds’ initial Deadpool appearance within the MCU comes after the release of “The Marvels” movie. This Deadpool tale is part of a Multiversal narrative that sets the stage for the introduction of the X-Men.

Agatha All Along

3 years after the conclusion of “WandaVision,” and set in the year 2026, “Agatha All Along” is next in line on the timeline, with Deadpool and Wolverine taking center stage for now. This upcoming series is also expected to connect to “Vision Quest,” which marks the third installment of the “WandaVision” trilogy set to premiere on Disney+ in 2026.

Daredevil: Born Again – Season 1

Following “Agatha All Along,” the series “Daredevil: Born Again” is scheduled for Phase 5, serving as a continuation of the narrative established in “Hawkeye,” “Echo,” and Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio’s initial “Daredevil” series on Netflix.

Captain America: Brave New World 

The recently added Marvel Cinematic Universe film on Disney+, titled “Captain America: Brave New World,” unfolds in the period from November 2026 to the early months of 2027, following the events depicted in “Daredevil: Born Again.” The upcoming and concluding Phase 5 movie, available on Disney+, is “Thunderbolts,” which is set to continue the storyline of Anthony Mackie’s “Captain America 4” and seems to be connected to the events of “Avengers: Doomsday” in Phase 6.

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2025-07-13 23:06