The cinema industry successfully ushered global audiences back into theatre in 2022 largely owing to the steadier flow of blockbusters in comparison to 2021, with Top Gun: Maverick, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Avatar: The Way of Water leading the long list of successful titles this year.
While 2021 was a dress rehearsal for the future of cinemas, 2022 has proved that cinema is back for real. This was especially evident in Saudi Arabia, when the country overtook Italy in annual box office revenue (in US$ terms), highlighting the prominence of cinema in the region.
Box office in 2022 had its first test with Scream which grossed nearly US$1M in the UAE alone and marked the successful return of the horror genre in the region since the pandemic. This was followed by the chartbuster performance of Matt Reeve’s The Batman, which earned a combined US$12M in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and Marvel’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which earned US$6.7M in the UAE.
Summer blockbusters highly contributed to the recovery of the global box office in 2022, with Tom Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick grossing a combined US$21.2M in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and over US$1.5 billion globally. Jurassic World: Dominion and Minions: The Rise of Gru also performed well, grossing over US$1.7M and US$1.64M in UAE and Saudi Arabia, respectively.
August to October was a challenging phase for cinemas in the region due to a weaker movie release schedule owing to pandemic-related delays. The year however ended on a high note with the release of James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water, which earned close to US$10M in the UAE in its opening weeks. Arabic titles such as Bahebek, 3amohom, and Men Agl Zeko also topped the 2022 charts across GCC.
Here’s our 2022 wrap-up featuring the top movie releases in the eight countries we cover, the most watched genres across the region, the top 15 cinema ads booked through us that lit up the big screen, and last but not least, the new cinema locations added to our circuit and our milestones:
UAE
Saudi Arabia
Egypt
Oman
Kuwait
Bahrain
Qatar
Lebanon
The 15 blockbuster ads (in no particular order) – booked through Motivate Val Morgan, that lit up the big screen in 2022 (also featured in Campaign Middle East):
Brand: Mercedes-Benz Burmester
Title: Innovations by Mercedes-Benz: Dolby Atmos
Media Agency: OMD
Brand: NEOM
Title: Trojena – Journey To New Heights
Media Agency: Starcom
Brand: Emirates
Title: Gerry the Goose Flies Better
Media Agency: UM MENA
Brand: Rolex
Title: Rolex & Cinema – The Path
Media Agency: Mindshare
Brand: Sephora
Title: Amna Al Qubaisi – Emirati F3 Driver – Redefining Beauty with Sephora
Media Agency: Spark Foundry – Publicis Media
Brand: Malabar Gold
Title: Brides of India
Brand: Hermès
Title: Terre d’Hermès
Media Agency: Havas Media
Brand: Thailand Tourism
Title: Amazing Thailand
Media Agency: Media Republic
Brand: Hayatna
Title: Grow Your World With Hayatna
Media Agency: Hearts & Science
Brand: Riyadh Book Fair
Media Agency: Blue Horizon
Brand: Infiniti QX60
Title: Take the Wheel
Media Agency: OMD
Brand: Jindal Shadeed
Media Agency: United Media Services
Brand: Theeb
Brand: Yas Island
Title: Yas Yas Baby
Media Agency: Initiative Media
Brand: Al Nahdi Pharmacies
2022 saw our cinema circuit expand with several new locations:
Our dedicated cinema buying platform – CinePlan and CineMeasure, was launched, which enables data-driven, audience-based buying across our network of cinemas in the Middle East. The platform was also recognized as one of Campaign Middle East’s Top 10 Media Milestones of 2022.
Get ready for an exciting year at the movies in 2023! Here are the top 20 movies to look forward to over the year ahead:
For more on the movies coming out in 2023, be sure to check out our sizzle reel
Parkville Pharmaceuticals booked an integrated cinema campaign with Motivate Val Morgan at VOX Cinemas – City Centre Almaza and Mall of Egypt.
The on screen component included a 30 sec. ad following the blockbuster Avatar: The Way of Water at both locations, while the off screen component included an activation kiosk in the foyer area of City Centre Almaza from 20 December 2022 to 19 January 2023, and a sampling activity over the weekend 22 to 24 December 2022 at Mall of Egypt and City Centre Almaza.
Amplify exposure for you brand with an integrated cinema campaign by capitalizing on creative and exciting promotional off screen opportunities, and complimenting it with an ad on the big screen.
Contact us for similar advertising opportunities across our cinema circuit in the GCC, Egypt and Lebanon.
James Cameron’s ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ has finally released, and as expected, taken the box office by storm. According to Box Office Pro, the sequel has already grossed US$855 million at the global box office, and is expected to reach the milestone of US$1 billion before the end of end of the year.
This impressive performance has solidified the film as one of the top box office hits of 2022.
Advertisers too were eager to secure prime spots within our pre-show to promote their various products and services – ranging from luxury watches, perfumes and cars (to name a few), to be featured alongside this highly celebrated cinematic event.
Check out the ads booked to follow or coincide with the release of Avatar: The Way of Water:
Sharjah Performing Arts Academy
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (Avatar: The Way of Water)
Country: UAE
Locations: Select VOX locations
Rolex
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (Avatar: The Way of Water)
Country: UAE & KSA
Locations: Select VOX and Reel locations
Red Cresent
Campaign Type: 16 Dec 2022 – 04 Jan 2023
Country: UAE
Locations: Multiple VOX and Reel locations
Guess Perfumes
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (Avatar: The Way of Water)
Country: KSA
Locations: Multiple VOX, Muvi and AMC locations
DP World
Campaign Type: 15 Dec 2022 – 11 Jan 2023
Country: UAE
Locations: Select VOX locations
Samsung – Galaxy Z Fold 4
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (Avatar: The Way of Water)
Country: UAE
Locations: Select VOX and Reel locations
Bentley – Bentayga
Campaign Type: 15 Dec 2022 – 11 Jan 2023
Country: UAE & Qatar
Locations: Select VOX and Reel locations
Ford – Al Tayer Motor
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (Avatar: The Way of Water)
Country: UAE
Locations: Select VOX and Reel locations
Mercedes
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (Avatar: The Way of Water)
Country: UAE & KSA
Locations: Select VOX, Reel, and Muvi locations
Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an
Campaign Type: 15 Dec 2022 – 11 Jan 2023
Country: UAE
Locations: Select VOX locations
Chevrolet – Tahoe
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (Avatar: The Way of Water)
Country: Bahrain
Locations: All VOX Locations
Campaign Type: 15 Dec 2022 – 28 Dec 2022
Country: KSA
Locations: Select VOX,AMC,Muvi locations
Parkville Pharmaceuticals
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (Avatar: The Way of Water)
Country: Egypt
Locations: Select VOX Locations
McDonald’s
Campaign Type: 15 Dec 2022 – 17 Jan 2023
Country: Egypt
Locations: Select VOX Locations
McDonald’s – Super Mario
Campaign Type: 15 Dec 2022 – 28 Dec 2022
Country: KSA
Locations: Select VOX, AMC, Muvi locations
Amideast
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (Avatar: The Way of Water)
Country: Egypt
Locations: All VOX Locations
TAG Heuer – Aquaracer
Campaign Type: 15 Dec 2022 – 28 Dec 2022
Country: KSA
Locations: Select VOX locations
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Bahrain
Campaign Type: 15 Dec 2022 – 28 Dec 2022
Country: Bahrain
Locations: VOX Locations
CAIA Café & Restaurant
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (Avatar: The Way of Water)
Country: UAE
Locations: Select Reel locations
Chery – Tiggo 8 Pro Max
Campaign Type: 15 Dec 2022 – 31 Dec 2022
Country: Bahrian
Locations: VOX Locations
Servcorp
Campaign Type: 15 Dec 2022 – 11 Jan 2023
Country: KSA
Locations: Select VOX, AMC and Muvi locations
Lexus
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (Avatar: The Way of Water)
Country: Kuwait
Locations: VOX Locations
LC Waikiki
Campaign Type: 15 Dec 2022 – 28 Dec 2022
Country: Bahrian
Locations: Bahrain City Center
Awqaf
Campaign Type: 15 Dec 2022 – 31 Dec 2022
Country: KSA
Locations: Select VOX and Muvi locations
Gazebo
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (Avatar: The Way of Water)
Country: UAE
Locations: Select VOX Locations
Farah Experience – FERRARI WORLD / Warner Bros
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (Avatar: The Way of Water)
Country: UAE
Locations: Multiple VOX and Reel locations
Central Bank of Kuwait
Campaign Type: 15 Dec 2022 – 21 Dec 2022
Country: Kuwait
Locations: The Avenues, Kuwait
Gulf Bank
Campaign Type: 15 Dec 2022 – 21 Dec 2022
Country: Kuwait
Locations: The Avenues, Kuwait
Rident Dental Clinic
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (Avatar: The Way of Water)
Country: Egypt
Locations: All VOX locations
Aldo
Campaign Type: 15 Dec 2022 – 28 Dec 2022
Country: Bahrain
Locations: The Avenues – Bahrain
MG Cars – RX5
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (Avatar: The Way of Water)
Country: UAE
Locations: Multiple VOX and Reel Locations
Miral Experiences
Campaign Type: Follow A Movie (Avatar: The Way of Water)
Country: UAE
Locations: VOX Locations
With an exciting lineup of movies releasing in 2023 – from action-packed superhero tales, epic science fiction journeys, thrilling adventure films, classic horror movies, and animated movies, don’t miss out on aligning your brand alongside these highly anticipated blockbusters.
Contact a member of our sales team for on and off screen cinema advertising opportunities in the year ahead.
The 2023 Jury Presidents line-up includes ten global experts who will lead the juries to award outstanding creativity in branded communications across MENA
Dubai Lynx, MENA’s premier Festival and Awards for creative excellence in branded communications, has announced the ten industry experts who will lead the 2023 juries.
The Jury Presidents will judge work entered across 21 different categories, including the newly launched Creative Commerce Lynx.
About the Jury Presidents, Philip Thomas, Chairman LIONS and Dubai Lynx, said, “We’re delighted to announce a host of renowned international talent to the Jury President line-up for Dubai Lynx 2023, featuring some truly remarkable creative leaders. Our Jury Presidents will bring their talent and prowess to ensure the Dubai Lynx Awards set the creative standard for the MENA region, as well as setting the future agenda. We look forward to seeing the body of work that will emerge following their discussions next year.”
2023 Dubai Lynx Jury Presidents include:
Brand Experience & Activation, Creative Commerce, Direct and Outdoor
Vicki Maguire – Chief Creative Officer, Havas London, UK
Creative Effectiveness and Creative Strategy
Anna Vogt, Chief Strategy Officer, VMLY&R London, UK
Design and Industry Craft
Sbu Sitole, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer, The Odd Number, South Africa
Digital Craft, Mobile and Social & Influencer
Zoha Zoya, Group Creative Director, Head of Experience Design, R/GA, EMEA
Entertainment
Amani Duncan, CEO, BBH, USA
Film Craft
Rajay Singh, Film Director & Founder, Directors Think Tank, South East Asia
Film, Print & Publishing and Radio & Audio
Gustavo Lauria, Chief Creative Officer, We Believers, USA
Healthcare
Bernardo Romero, Maker, Klick Health, Canada
Media
Kate Ivory, Agency Partner, Head of Strategy, OMD EMEA, EMEA
PR
Tom Beckman, Global Chief Creative Officer, Weber Shandwick, Global
Entries into Dubai Lynx are being accepted until Thursday 2 February 2023. Click here for further information on the awards.
Motivate Val Morgan is the official representative of Dubai Lynx Festival in the UAE
FIFA booked an integrated cinema campaign through Universal Media (UM) Qatar to promote the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022™ at select locations of VOX, Reel, Muvi, AMC cinemas in UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The on-screen campaign included a 30 sec. commercial booked for a period of 4 weeks – 27 October 2022 to 23 November 2022, at select locations of:
UAE – VOX and Reel
KSA – VOX, AMC and Muvi
The commercial follows La’eeb (the official mascot of the FIFA World Cup 2022) as he auditions to fulfill his destiny as the tournament’s mascot. La’eeb encourages everyone to believe in themselves and spread the joy of football to everyone, through the catch phrase ‘Now is All’.
The off-screen component of the cinema campaign included the distribution of 50,000 FIFA branded popcorn tubs featuring La’eeb, to moviegoers at select VOX locations in UAE and KSA starting 10 November 2022.
Contact us for more information on branding options and integrated cinema advertising opportunities across the Middle East!
Related Articles:
Armani Code | Integrated Cinema Campaign | KSA
A specially curated menu by Saudi chef Mona Mosly was launched by VOX cinemas on Saudi National Day.
VOX Cinemas has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Mona Mosly which will see the female Saudi Chef elevate the in-cinema dining experience with a specially curated menu.
Moviegoers in Saudi Arabia can now enjoy more than 20 signature dishes at GOLD, VOX Cinemas’ luxury cinema concept, and Candy Bar.
Chef Mona Mosly is one of the region’s most recognisable celebrity chefs due to her role as host and judge on five series of the TV phenomenon Top Chef Middle East. She has extensive experience in culinary art, having trained professionally in Switzerland before attending the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu in London and subsequently honing her craft at esteemed restaurants across the Middle East.
Known for her catchphrase, ‘From My Heart to Yours’, Chef Mona injects passion into every dish and her exclusive menu for VOX Cinemas aims to evoke memories through flavour while featuring her creative take on classic dishes. Highlights on the menu, which has been specially tailored for the cinematic experience, include Saudi Fish & Chips, Mona Shawarma, Khubz Mhalla and Rose Kakadeh.
Mohamed Al Hashemi, Country Head at Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment, Cinemas and Lifestyle in Saudi Arabia said: “The Saudi labour market has made unprecedented progress in recent years, with more Saudi women entering the workforce and establishing a strong footprint across various industries. In line with Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s National Transformation Programme, Majid Al Futtaim is committed to hiring inclusively to ensure exceptional employment opportunities.”
“Given her culinary prowess and unique talent, VOX Cinemas is excited to collaborate with Chef Mona Mosly and unveil her as the new face of our in-cinema dining experience. We believe that F&B is an integral part of going to the movies and this collaboration demonstrates our customer-centricity and dedication to providing an unrivalled cinematic experience. This is just the first step in what we believe will be a long and successful partnership and our ultimate goal is to expand this offering to our cinemas across the region” he added.
Chef Mona Mosly said, “VOX Cinemas has set the standard in cinema dining in the GCC and I’m extremely proud to partner with them given our shared dedication to innovation and excellence as well as the outreach to the Arab world that VOX has to offer. I am confident that this collaboration is a recipe for success and look forward to bringing dishes from my heart to yours at VOX Cinemas in Saudi.”
VOX Cinemas’ signature concept GOLD caters to movie lovers who want to indulge in gourmet food. Guests have the option of dining in an exclusive private lounge area or having their food delivered straight to their seats through the in-theatre waiter service. Redefining the luxury cinema experience, the GOLD auditorium features reclining leather seats, plush blankets, and pillows as well as cutting-edge audiovisual technology in a stylish and intimate setting.
Chef Mona is the latest high-profile chef to collaborate with VOX Cinemas. Most recently Michelin-starred chef Akira Back curated a menu for VOX Cinemas’ THEATRE across UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar.
Chef Mona Mosly’s menu will be available exclusively at VOX Cinemas The Kingdom Centre, and The Esplanade in Riyadh before being rolled out to additional locations including Sahara Mall, Riyadh, and Red Sea Mall, Jeddah.
For more information visit VOX Cinemas
Source: VOX Cinemas (Press Release)
Saudi Arabia celebrated its 92nd National Day on 23rd September 2022, commemorating the birth of the modern Saudi nation.
This year’s theme and slogan was ‘This is our Home’- appreciating the cultural diversity of the country that makes everyone feel at home, whether they are Saudi nationals or expats.
Cinema was a popular medium for brands to convey their wishes to the nation this year. From French multinational retailer of personal care and beauty products – Sephora, to Saudi based telecom provider – Salam, STC and more… here’s a look at ads that lit up the big screen to honour the Kingdom’s national day:
Sephora
The cinema ad by Sephora features Saudi expressionist artist Ghada Al Rabea – a strong Saudi woman, who holds her culture at high esteem, but never shies away from her passion for art.
Commercial Duration: 15 Sec
Locations: Multiple VOX locations
Monsha’at
The Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority – Monsha’at booked a national day cinema ad celebrating the nation’s identity, culture, leadership and growth over the years.
Commercial Duration: 127 Sec
Locations: Multiple AMC and Muvi locations
Banque Saudi Fransi
The Saudi based banking group’s national day campaign celebrates the vision and achievement of Saudi Arabia as a nation in various sectors.
Commercial Duration: 30 Secs
Locations: Multiple AMC, Muvi and VOX locations
Salam Mobile
Saudi Arabia’s new mobile service Salam mobile in their National Day ad features a virtually performed ballad about the nation’s heroic history by well-known Saudi artists from across the nation.
Commercial Duration: 180 Sec
Locations: Multiple AMC, Cinépolis, Muvi and VOX locations
Saudi Electricity Company
KSA’s energy provider Saudi Electricity Company in their National Day ad emphasized its commitment to illuminate the nation’s future – “she is home to us, and we are the light for.”
Commercial Duration: 86 Sec
Locations: Multiple AMC, Cinépolis, Muvi and VOX locations
STC
Saudi Telecom Company commemorates this year’s national day by highlighting the nation’s support and empowerment for the advancement of its people.
Commercial Duration: 60 Sec
Locations: Select AMC, Cinépolis, Muvi and VOX locations
Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile in a tactical campaign, promoted their ‘National Day Special Offer’ on the big screens of cinemas across the country.
Commercial Duration: 15 Sec
Locations: Select AMC, Muvi and VOX locations
With National Days of Oman (18th November), UAE (2nd December), Bahrain (16th December) and Qatar (18th December) around the corner, contact a member of our sales team for more information on cinema advertising to mark these special days!
‘Spooktober’ has finally arrived, and there’s no better way to celebrate Halloween than to watch a spine-tingling horror movie on the biggest screen of them all!.
With a number of new horror releases in cinema this Halloween – from Jordan Peele’s genre bending thriller, the final conclusion to the Halloween franchise, and a good old-fashioned exorcism, both audiences and advertisers are in for a treat.. no tricks!
Check out the movie line-up, and have yourself a bloodcurdling and wicked time at the cinema:
Orphan: First Kill
Release Date: now playing
Cast: Isabelle Fuhrman, Julia Stiles, Rossif Sutherland
Nope
Release Date: now playing
Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Steven Yeun, Keke Palmer
The residents of a lonely gulch in inland California bear witness to an uncanny and chilling discovery.
The Invitation
Release Date: now playing
Cast: Nathalie Emmanuel, Thomas Doherty, Stephanie Corneliussen, Sean Pertwee
A young woman is courted and swept off her feet, only to realize a gothic conspiracy is afoot.
Jeepers Creepers: Reborn
Release Date: now playing
Cast: Sydney Craven, Imran Adams, Jarreau Benjamin
Forced to travel with her boyfriend, Laine begins to experience premonitions associated with the urban myth of The Creeper. She believes that something supernatural has been summoned – and that she is at the center of it all.
Don’t Worry Darling
Release Date: now playing
Cast: Harry Styles, Florence Pugh, Chris Pine, Gemma Chan
A 1950s housewife living with her husband in a utopian experimental community begins to worry that his glamorous company could be hiding disturbing secrets.
Smile
Release Date: now playing
Cast: Sosie Bacon, Kyle Gallner, Robin Weigert, Jessie T. Usher
After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can’t explain. As an overwhelming terror begins taking over her life, Rose must confront her troubling past in order to survive and escape her horrifying new reality.
Halloween Ends
Release Date: 13 October 2022
Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis, Andi Matichak, Kyle Richards, Will Patton
Halloween Ends kicks off four years after the events of Halloween Kills, where Laurie is living with her granddaughter Allyson and is finishing writing her memoir. When a young man is accused of killing a boy he was babysitting, it ignites a cascade of violence and terror that will force Laurie to finally confront the evil she can’t control, once and for all.
Prey for the Devil
Release Date: 27 October 2022
Cast: Virginia Madsen, Jacqueline Byers, Nicholas Ralph
A nun prepares to perform an exorcism and comes face to face with a demonic force with mysterious ties to her past.
Contact us for advertising opportunities in cinema.
Source: IMDB and YouTube
Check out the latest ads on the BIG screen in the month of September
With summer holidays drawing to a close, kids back in school and life in general back to its normal routine, September has been a buzzing month at the cinema.
From Indian superhero movie Brahmastra Part One: Shiva, to the return of rom-coms with Ticket to Paradise and psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling, the BIG Screen has been delivering a variety of content for all audience types over September.
Our pre-show too has witnessed an array of brand ads. From luxury brands to the world’s largest international airline and Sweden’s very own home furnishing store, check out the ads on the BIG Screen across our network of cinemas in the first half of September:
Ikea
Agency: PHD Media
Ad Duration: 30 Secs
Campaign Duration: 1st September 2022 to 5th October 2022 (UAE), 1st September to 28th September 2022 (Qatar)
Country: UAE, Qatar
Cinema Locations: Multiple VOX locations and Reel Cinemas: The Dubai Mall
Louis Vuitton Kids
Agency: Spark Foundry
Ad Duration: 1st September to 28th September 2022.
Campaign Duration: 60 Secs
Country: UAE, KSA
Cinema Locations: Multiple VOX and Reel locations
Hermès – H24
Agency: Havas Middle East
Ad Duration: 15th September 2022 to 28th September 2022
Campaign Duration: 30 Secs
Country: UAE, Kuwait, Qatar
Cinema Locations: Multiple VOX locations and Reel Cinemas The Dubai Mall
Hermès – Terre d’Hermès
Agency: Havas Middle East
Ad Duration: 15th September 2022 to 28th September 2022
Campaign Duration: 30 Secs
Country: KSA, Bahrain
Cinema Locations: Multiple VOX locations
Bahrain Tourism
Agency: Direct Client
Ad Duration: 15th September 2022 to 21st September 2022
Campaign Duration: 30 Secs
Country: KSA
Cinema Locations: VOX Cinemas and Muvi Cinemas
Emirates Airlines
Agency: UM MENA
Ad Duration: 15th September 2022 to 28st September 2022
Campaign Duration: 30 Secs
Country: KSA
Cinema Locations: Multiple VOX,Cinépolis, AMC and Muvi cinema locations
Contact us for more information on booking cinema ads on the screens across our cinema circuit in the Middle East.
Marvel Studios is set to roll its curtain down on Phase 4, and has revealed future plans for its cinematic universe at the recently concluded San Diego Comic-Con 2022. The studio announced an exciting line-up of live-action and animated projects in its next phases from 2023-2025.
Phases 5 and 6 feature new titles with familiar faces, starting with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and leading up to not just one but two back-to-back Avengers movies with much to explore in between in the Multiverse.
If you’ve missed those announcements and want more information, here is everything you need to know about Marvel’s latest slate of projects set to release on the big screen:
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Release date: February 17, 2023
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania will be the beginning of Phase 5. That film is expected to reveal more mysteries of the pivotal Quantum Realm universe; it will be the first official introduction of Jonathan Majors as Kang (the big bad of this Multiverse Saga) and will debut a new young hero when Scott Lang’s daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton) suits up as well.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Release date: May 5, 2023
James Gunn will be ending his Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy with this film – and he and the cast and crew are letting fans know in no uncertain terms that it is going to be an ending. The movie will be introducing some key cosmic figures – Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) and the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji) – and it’s here that we begin to see a possible pattern forming in Phase 5: powerful villains rising in ways our heroes may not be ready for.
The Marvels
Release date: July 28, 2023
The Captain Marvel movie franchise will meet the Ms. Marvel TV series (with help from WandaVision’s Monica Rambeau) to form a new trifecta of cosmic-powered superheroines in the MCU. Plot details are unknown, but Ms. Marvel left us with a place-switching connection between Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), so that’s something. Based on other projects like Secret Invasion, The Marvels could have some serious Kree/Skrull drama to resolve – and again, we could be looking at a major shakeup in the cosmic order, as a result.
Blade
Release date: November 3, 2023
The Marvel Knights supernatural side of things has been teased through Moon Knight and Eternals’ post-credits scene, but Blade is the film that will really open the door to it all. Blade could be a pivotal dark horse story whose significance we can’t yet fully understand.
Captain America: New World Order
Release date: May 3, 2024
Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) has taken up the shield and mantle, but it sounds like the timing could be rather unfortunate. In the comics, the New World Order organization was founded by Red Skull in a clandestine plot to take over the world. There have been many similar stories in Marvel lore since then (Leviathan) that could be streamlined into the premise of Captain America 4. Either way, it sounds like Sam will find out there are some truly seedy (world threatening) things happening in the world of politics and espionage.
Thunderbolts
Release date: May 3, 2024
The end of MCU Phase 5 will be Thunderbolts – a series that started as a team of villains posing as heroes. Given everything we’ve seen in Phase 5 leading up to it, Thunderbolts makes us wonder if Phase 5 will end with a new world order of villains holding the reigns, and heroes left on the run.
While those Marvel Phase 5 plans took their rightful place in the spotlight at Comic-Con 2022, Marvel also announced the first three projects in its Phase 6 slate
Fantastic Four
Release date: November 8, 2024
MCU reboot of the Fantastic Four will be released in November of 2024, marking the first movie in Phase 6 and kickstarting the road to Secret Wars. This movie will be necessary to get to the final film of The Multiverse Saga as Marvels’ first family play a major role in that storyline.
Avengers: The Kang Dynasty
Release date: May 2, 2025
The summer of 2025 will kick off with Avengers 5, subtitled The Kang Dynasty and set to be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. What’s unclear about the film is…who will be part of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in this movie? One guess is that Captain Marvel and Hulk have continued the team, as seen at the end of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
Avengers: Secret Wars
Release date: November 7, 2025
The Multiverse Saga will officially conclude with this title, as the Avengers: Secret Wars will seemingly draw from the Jonathan Hickman-penned reboot of the title from 2015, one that combined multiple different Earths/timelines/universes into one planet, the all-new Battle World.
Sources: Techradar, Comicbook.com and Boxoffice Pro
