James Gunn Has No Idea What The MCU Phases Mean

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a monumental movie franchise, serving as an inspiration for numerous attempts to establish expansive film series. Marvel Studios has undeniably made many shrewd decisions in the production of these movies; however, they haven’t been flawless. There are aspects that warrant critique, such as the MCU’s concept of “phases.” Even James Gunn, a key figure within the franchise, admits to being puzzled by it.

Throughout its almost two-decade existence, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been organized into distinct “phases.” These phases are intended to divide the narrative into manageable sections. However, it’s worth noting that the demarcation points between some of these story arcs can appear confusing at times. For instance, James Gunn, who directed three movies featuring the Guardians of the Galaxy, admitted to GQ that he never fully understood the significance of these phases, stating…

I’ve always found it challenging to decipher the terminologies used in Marvel stories. To be honest, I’m baffled by most of it; I’ve never really grasped their significance or meaning.

In the first “Guardians of the Galaxy” film, during what is known as Phase Two, James Gunn disclosed that there was no predetermined plan regarding the Infinity Stones at Marvel Studios. Consequently, he independently penned that particular segment without any guidance from Marvel on its content or delivery. Essentially, Gunn shaped much of the Infinity Saga’s narrative himself.

In the realm of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it often feels like a beautifully orchestrated symphony where each note has its perfect place. However, looking back, I’ve come to realize that perhaps not as many notes were written on the sheet as one might think at first glance. This intricate dance of storytelling seems so well-planned, yet it appears that even someone like Gunn, who’s deeply immersed in this universe, never received a full explanation of the grand design.

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The first phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was logical since it featured origin stories for various characters and concluded when they joined forces to become the Avengers. However, many viewers might argue that this is the only obvious dividing point. Contrary to popular belief, Phase Three didn’t conclude with the Infinity Saga ending in Avengers: Endgame. Instead, it carried on for one more movie, namely Spider-Man: Far From Home. The only thing that seems to link Marvel’s Phase 4 is a general lack of enthusiasm from fans. As for the upcoming Marvel movies, they will comprise Marvel’s Phase Six, and it remains uncertain when this phase will end as we approach the conclusion of the Multiverse saga.

With Gunn now leading the creation of a cinematic universe for DC, it will be interesting to see how he approaches similar challenges. He’s titled the initial phase as “Chapter 1”, named Gods & Monsters, but it remains uncertain whether these chapters correspond to MCU phases or larger story arcs. Regardless, we can anticipate that Gunn’s chapters will be coherent within his vision.

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2025-07-10 23:07