phase3.jpg

MCU Viewing Guide

Phase Three


We’re in the endgame now.
— Dr. Stephen Strange

Film: Doctor Strange

Official Synopsis

World-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange's life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing, and hope, in an unlikely place—a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a center for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality. Before long Strange—armed with newly acquired magical powers—is forced to choose whether to return to his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.

Film: Captain America: Civil War

Official Synopsis

Steve Rogers is leading the newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. But after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in two camps—one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability.

BlackPanther.jpg

Film: Black Panther

Official Synopsis

King T'Challa returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country's new leader. However, T'Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne from factions within his own country.

When two foes conspire to destroy Wakanda, the hero known as Black Panther must team up with C.I.A. agent Everett K. Ross and members of the Dora Milaje, Wakanadan special forces, to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war."

Film: Spider-Man: Homecoming

Official Synopsis

A young Peter Parker begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero Spider-Man. 

Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May, under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark.

Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.

Ragnarok.jpg

Film: Thor: Ragnarok

Official Synopsis: Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok—the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization—at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela.

But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger—the Incredible Hulk!

697507b770dbd063e8176143e602cc88.jpg

Film: Avengers: Infinity War

Official Synopsis: An unprecedented cinematic journey ten years in the making and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War brings to the screen the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time.

The Avengers and their super hero allies must willing to sacrifice it all in an attempt to defeat the power of Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.

Film: ant-man and the wasp

Official Synopsis: In the aftermath of “Captain America: Civil War,” Scott Lang grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from their past.

captainmarvel.jpg

Film: Captain Marvel

Official Synopsis: The story follows Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races.  Set in the 1990s, “Captain Marvel” is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

avengers_endgame

Film: Avengers: Endgame

Official Synopsis: The grave course of events set in motion by Thanos that wiped out half the universe and fractured the Avengers ranks compels the remaining Avengers to take one final stand in Marvel Studios' grand conclusion to twenty-two films.


Expanded Guide: Iron Fist Season 1 Episodes 1-13

Viewing Order Placement

Iron Fist Season 1 takes place several months after the events of Luke Cage Season 1, and shortly before the events of The Defenders. It likely takes place in 2016, around the same time as the events of Doctor Strange.

MCU Connections and Easter Eggs

1.01 - Snow Gives Way
  • There are references to the Battle of New York, the Hand, and the New York Bulletin.

1.02 - Shadow Hawk Takes Flight
  • A doctor at the psychiatric hospital discusses the Incident (The Battle of New York) with Danny.

1.03 - Rolling Thunder Cannon Punch
  • Jeri Hogarth returns as Danny's lawyer and has a long history with the Rand Corporation.
  • Danny claims that the Iron Fist is the sworn enemy of the Hand. Also, Madame Gao, one of the leaders of the Hand from Daredevil makes an appearance.

1.04 - Eight Dragon Diagram Palm
  • For the first time we see the tattoo on Danny's chest. This marking is similar to the Steel Serpent symbol that first appeared on heroin packets in Daredevil Season 1.

1.05 - Under Leaf Pluck Lotus
  • Claire Temple returns, this time as a student at Colleen Wing's dojo. At the end of Luke Cage Season 1, we saw Claire looking at a flyer for the dojo.
  • A journalist from the New York Bulletin makes a reference to Karen Page, now a fellow reporter at the paper.

1.06 - Immortal Emerges from Cave
  • Claire meets with Shirley Benson, one of her co-workers at Metro-General Hospital who was last seen in Daredevil Season 2.
  • Claire says, "Sweet Christmas," a famous catchphrase of Luke Cage.
  • A Rand lawyer mentions that Danny has more YouTube views than the "incredible green guy," a reference to the Hulk.

1.07 - Felling Tree with Roots
  • Madame Gao references both Luke Cage and Daredevil.
  • Like in many MCU movies and shows, there is a reference to the Roxxon Corporation.
  • An issue of the New York Bulletin with an article written by Karen Page is shown.
  • There is a reference to Midland Circle, the hole in the ground that first appeared in Daredevil Season 2, and is a major part of the plot of The Defenders.
  • The Dogs of Hell, a biker gang that has appeared in both Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Daredevil make an appearance.

1.08 - The Blessing of Many Fractures
  • Joy mentions she has hired a private detective in the past who does good work when she's not drinking. This is likely a reference to Jessica Jones.
  • Claire receives a letter from Luke Cage, who is currently serving time in prison.
  • Danny says the Hand is using the symbol on their heroin in order to mock K'Un Lun.

1.09 - The Blessing of Many Fractures

1.10 - Black Tiger Steals Hearts
  • We learn a bit about some previous people who held the title of the Iron Fist. Specifically, we see footage of a previous Iron Fist who is wearing a costume similar to Danny's costume in the comics.
  • Madame Gao makes a reference to both Luke Cage and Daredevil.
  • Claire gives Danny one of Luke's bullet hole riddled shirts to wear.

1.11 - Lead Horse Back to Stable
  • The Hand bring Colleen to the same location where they brought Elektra at the end of Daredevil Season 2.

1.12 - Bar the Big Boss

1.13 - Dragon Plays with Fire
  • Stan Lee is seen on a poster for the NYPD.
  • Claire mentions her experience helping individuals like Luke Cage, referring to Daredevil.

Expanded Guide: The Defenders Season 1 Episodes 1-8

Viewing Order Placement

Iron Fist Season 1 takes place several months after the events of Luke Cage Season 1, and shortly before the events of The Defenders. It likely takes place in 2016, around the same time as the events of Doctor Strange.

MCU Connections and Easter Eggs

1.01 - The H Word
  • Luke gets off a bus with an advertisment for the "New Harlem Renaissance. This is a reference to Mariah and Shades' plans for the neighborhood.

1.02 - Mean Right Hook
  • There is a reference to the Incident, which is the Battle of New York depicted in The Avengers.
  • This episode marks the first time the Matt and Jessica meet, as well as the first meeting between Danny and Luke.

1.03 - Worst Behavior
  • Stan Lee gets a cameo in the form of an NYPD poster.
  • The series involves a plot a Midland Circle, which was teased in Daredevil Season 1 and mentioned in Iron Fist Season 1.

1.04 - Royal Dragon
  • Nobu, last seen in Daredevil Season 2, makes a return in this episode.

1.05 - Take Shelter
  • Bakuto, from Iron Fist Season 1, returns as one of the leaders of The Hand.

1.06 - Ashes, Ashes
  • Luke is reading an issue of the New York Bulletin.

1.07 - Fish in the Jailhouse

1.08 - The Defenders