Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania was supposed to be the film that started Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and it did. But it has also become the culmination of everything that the MCU had done wrong for years, much more so than

Thor: Love and Thunder

. The film, intended to usher in a new villain and set the stage for future movies, instead highlighted a year filled with uncertainties for Marvel, characterized by box office disappointments and critical misfires.

As Marvel Studios ventures further into the post-Avengers: Endgame era, the cinematic giant faces the colossal task of not just expanding its universe but ensuring the essence of what made the Marvel Cinematic Universe a powerhouse remains intact.

Amidst this backdrop, the MCU has shown glimpses of its former glory and potential for revitalization. The record-breaking viewership of the Deadpool & Wolverine Super Bowl trailer and the enthusiastic response to the X-Men '97 trailer are proof of the enduring appeal of Marvel's characters and the universe they inhabit. Furthermore, the casting announcements for The Fantastic Four and script enhancements for pivotal projects like Thunderbolts signal Marvel's commitment to reinvigorating its storytelling approach. The developments, coupled with strategic hires and a shift towards empowering showrunners, suggest a deliberate effort to refine the MCU's creative direction.