Nearly 10 years ago, the Marvel Cinematic Universe began with Iron Man, and expanded into Captain America and Thor before bringing them together in The Avengers. In 2018 and 2019, Avengers: Infinity War and its currently untitled sequel will bring together nearly every hero who has appeared in the MCU to date. And according to Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, the fourth Avengers movie is going to kick off a dramatically different era for the heroes who make it out intact.

Feige spoke with Vanity Fair for the magazine’s latest cover issue, which will release with the four distinct Marvel-oriented covers seen in the tweet below:

Check out these brand new #InfinityWar covers from @VanityFair! More info: https://t.co/Z8rBgJZjnV pic.twitter.com/XNEGcmfjuf

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) November 27, 2017

In conversation with the magazine, Feige said, “[Twenty-two] movies in, and we’ve got another 20 movies on the docket that are completely different from anything that’s come before—intentionally.” He added that Avengers 4 will “bring things you’ve never seen in superhero films: a finale. … There will be two distinct periods. Everything before Avengers 4 and everything after. I know it will not be in ways people are expecting.”

That prompts the question about what the future of the MCU looks like, but the answer is right in front of us. Many of Marvel’s Phase 3 films have introduced characters who are new to this cinematic universe, including Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, Black Panther, and Captain Marvel. Those are the heroes who are likely to carry their respective franchises forward if many of the original stars of The Avengers step away now that their contracts are finally coming to an end.

As part of the cover story for the issue, Vanity Fair assembled 83 actors and actresses from the first decade of MCU films for a wild photo shoot that may be the first and last time we see this many Marvel characters together at once.

Vanity Fair brought together 83 of Marvel’s stars to commemorate 10 years of unprecedented moviemaking success pic.twitter.com/6SWj3KJxdu

— Marvel Facts (@MarveIFacts) November 27, 2017

Now, just imagine what that photo shoot would look like in 10 years with another 20 movies in the mix. After the last decade, it should be pretty clear that Marvel really does plan that far ahead. The studio is just being uncharacteristically quiet about what those plans are.

What do you think the future holds for the MCU? Share your theories in the comment section below!

Image: Marvel Studios

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