Where To Begin In The MCU After Endgame A Catch-Up Guide

Aug 2, 2025 by Pleton 57 views

Haven't Watched Since Endgame? A Guide to Catching Up on the Marvel Cinematic Universe

So, you've seen Avengers: Endgame. What a movie, right? But the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) hasn't stopped there, guys! It's expanded in amazing ways, with new movies and TV shows adding layers to the story. Feeling a bit lost about where to start? Don't worry, this guide is here to help you navigate the post-Endgame MCU and decide where to jump back in. We'll break down the major storylines, introduce the new heroes, and offer viewing suggestions to make your catch-up journey smooth and enjoyable. Let's dive in!

Understanding the Post-Endgame MCU: The Multiverse Saga

After the Infinity Saga concluded with Endgame, the MCU embarked on a new chapter known as the Multiverse Saga. This saga, spanning Phases Four, Five, and Six, explores the vast and complex concept of the multiverse – the idea that there are infinite parallel universes, each with its own unique realities and possibilities. The introduction of the multiverse has opened up a Pandora's Box of narrative potential, allowing for the return of familiar characters in new ways, the introduction of alternate versions of existing heroes and villains, and the exploration of entirely new worlds and dimensions. The impact of the multiverse is already being felt across the MCU, with events in Loki, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness directly addressing its implications. This saga promises to be even more epic and ambitious than its predecessor, as it tackles themes of identity, destiny, and the very fabric of reality.

The central conflict of the Multiverse Saga revolves around incursions, events where the boundaries between universes collapse, threatening the destruction of entire realities. These incursions are often caused by individuals tampering with the multiverse, such as the Scarlet Witch in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness or Kang the Conqueror and his variants in Loki and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. The heroes of the MCU are now tasked with not only protecting their own universe but also preventing these incursions from causing widespread devastation. This has led to the formation of new alliances and the emergence of new threats, as the very nature of reality is under siege. The saga is a grand tapestry of interconnected stories, weaving together film and television narratives to create a cohesive and engaging experience for viewers. Key characters like Doctor Strange, Scarlet Witch, and the new generation of heroes are at the forefront of this conflict, each grappling with their own roles in the unfolding multiverse drama.

To truly appreciate the scope of the Multiverse Saga, it's essential to understand the key players involved. Kang the Conqueror, a time-traveling warlord with multiple variants scattered throughout the multiverse, has emerged as a formidable antagonist. His appearances in Loki and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania have established him as a major threat, and his actions are likely to have far-reaching consequences for the MCU. The Scarlet Witch, also known as Wanda Maximoff, has become a powerful and unpredictable force, with her abilities amplified by the Darkhold, a book of forbidden knowledge. Her actions in WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness have had significant ramifications for the multiverse, and her ultimate fate remains uncertain. Doctor Strange, as the Sorcerer Supreme, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the fabric of reality, using his knowledge of the mystic arts to combat threats from across the multiverse. Other key figures, such as Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, and the new generation of Avengers, will also play pivotal roles in the unfolding saga. The Multiverse Saga is a complex and intricate narrative, but understanding its core themes and characters will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the post-Endgame MCU.

Phase Four Highlights: New Heroes and Continuing Stories

Phase Four marked a bold new direction for the MCU, introducing a host of new heroes and exploring the fallout from the events of Endgame. It was a phase of experimentation, with Marvel Studios venturing into new formats like Disney+ series and delving into more diverse storytelling. For those of you catching up, here's a rundown of some of the standout projects from Phase Four:

WandaVision: This series is a must-watch, guys. It's a mind-bending exploration of grief and trauma, following Wanda Maximoff as she creates her own reality in the town of Westview. WandaVision introduces the concept of the multiverse in a significant way and sets the stage for Wanda's pivotal role in later events. The show's unique blend of sitcom homages and superhero action makes it a truly unforgettable experience, and it showcases the immense power and vulnerability of the Scarlet Witch. The series also introduces new characters like Agatha Harkness and Monica Rambeau, who are poised to play important roles in the MCU's future.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier: This series tackles important themes of race, legacy, and what it means to be Captain America. Sam Wilson grapples with the weight of the shield and ultimately embraces his destiny as the new Captain America. The show delves into the personal struggles of both Sam and Bucky Barnes, exploring their past traumas and their efforts to move forward. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier also introduces new villains like the Flag Smashers and sets up future storylines related to global power dynamics. The series is a powerful examination of the responsibilities that come with great power and the challenges of navigating a complex world.
Loki: Oh man, Loki is a game-changer! This series dives into the multiverse in a big way, introducing the Time Variance Authority (TVA) and the concept of timelines branching off into infinite realities. Loki's journey of self-discovery and his encounters with various versions of himself are both entertaining and thought-provoking. The show introduces Kang the Conqueror as a major antagonist and sets the stage for the Multiverse Saga's central conflict. Loki is a visually stunning and narratively ambitious series that expands the scope of the MCU in exciting ways.
Spider-Man: No Way Home: This movie is a fan-service extravaganza, but it's also a crucial piece of the Multiverse Saga puzzle. When Peter Parker asks Doctor Strange to erase the world's memory of his identity, things go horribly wrong, and villains from alternate realities are brought into the MCU. No Way Home is a emotional and action-packed adventure that explores themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and the consequences of tampering with the multiverse. The film's ending has significant implications for Spider-Man's future and the MCU as a whole.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness: This film is a wild ride through the multiverse, pitting Doctor Strange against the Scarlet Witch as she seeks to reunite with her children from another reality. The movie is a visually stunning and often terrifying exploration of the multiverse's potential dangers, with Sam Raimi's signature horror style adding a unique flavor to the MCU. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness delves into the themes of grief, obsession, and the corrupting influence of power. The film's ending leaves Doctor Strange facing new threats and challenges, setting the stage for future adventures.

Phase Four also includes other notable projects like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which introduces a new hero in Shang-Chi and expands the MCU's martial arts world, and Eternals, which explores a group of ancient cosmic beings and their role in shaping human history. While opinions on these projects may vary, they all contribute to the overall tapestry of the MCU and offer glimpses into the universe's vast potential. Phase Four was a transitional phase, laying the groundwork for the Multiverse Saga and introducing new characters and storylines that will shape the future of the MCU.

Where to Start Your Catch-Up: A Viewing Guide

Okay, so you're ready to jump back in. Awesome! But with so much content, where do you even begin? Here's a suggested viewing order to help you navigate the post-Endgame MCU:

WandaVision: As mentioned earlier, this series is crucial for understanding Wanda's character arc and the introduction of the multiverse. It's a must-watch before diving into other projects.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier: This series provides important context for Sam Wilson's journey as Captain America and explores the political landscape of the post-Endgame world.
Loki: This series is essential for understanding the mechanics of the multiverse and the emergence of Kang the Conqueror as a major threat.
Spider-Man: No Way Home: This movie is a crowd-pleasing spectacle that has significant implications for the MCU's future. It's a major event film that shouldn't be missed.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness: This film delves deeper into the multiverse and the dangers it poses. It's a visually stunning and narratively complex adventure.

From here, you can branch out and explore other Phase Four projects like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Eternals, Hawkeye, Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel, and Thor: Love and Thunder. These projects offer their own unique stories and characters, but they also contribute to the overall narrative of the Multiverse Saga.

For Phase Five, you'll want to check out Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which further explores the multiverse and introduces Kang the Conqueror in a big way, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which concludes the Guardians' story arc. The Disney+ series Secret Invasion is also worth watching, as it sets up potential future conflicts and introduces new characters and threats. As Phase Five continues to unfold, there will undoubtedly be more projects that tie into the larger Multiverse Saga narrative, so staying up-to-date with new releases is key. This viewing guide is just a starting point, guys! Feel free to adjust the order based on your interests and preferences. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the ride!

Final Thoughts: The MCU Journey Continues

The MCU is a constantly evolving universe, and catching up can feel like a daunting task. But trust me, it's worth it! The Multiverse Saga is shaping up to be an epic and ambitious undertaking, and there's so much to look forward to. New heroes, exciting storylines, and mind-bending multiversal adventures await. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to dive back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. You won't regret it! And remember, this is a shared journey for all of us Marvel fans. Let's discuss, theorize, and celebrate the MCU together. The story is far from over, and the best is yet to come.

So, what are you waiting for? Start watching and get ready for the next chapter of the MCU!