Okay, here is an English introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) story:
Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Plot Introduction
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a series of interconnected superhero films, based on characters published by Marvel Comics. The narrative unfolds across multiple phases, often telling the story of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, the Avengers, and their allies.
Phase 1: The Beginning (Approx. 2008-2010)
The MCU launched with Iron Man (2008), introducing Tony Stark, a wealthy industrialist who becomes a powerful superhero. This film set the template for the series: grounded characters, action sequences, and hints of a larger world. It was followed by The Incredible Hulk (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), and Thor (2010), which established key heroes, cosmic entities (like Thor), and the concept of Earth being a focal point in a vast universe. The phase concluded with Captain America: The First Avenger (2014), bringing the iconic soldier into the fold.
Phase 2: Assembling the Avengers (Approx. 2012-2015)
This phase focused on recruiting more heroes for the Avengers team. Films like The Avengers (2012) saw Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, the Hulk, Hawkeye, and Black Widow unite to save the world. It established the Avengers as the central heroes of the MCU. Other key films included Iron Man 3 (2013), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) (exploring themes of freedom and conspiracy), Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) (introducing a cosmic team with a lighter tone), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) (a team-up against a villain with artificial intelligence), and Ant-Man (2015) (introducing the character and the concept of the Quantum Realm).
Phase 3: Infinity Stones and World-Affairs (Approx. 2016-2019)
This phase centered around the Infinity Stones – six powerful artifacts capable of granting immense power – and the threat of Thanos, who seeks to collect them. Key films included Captain America: Civil War (2016) (a major conflict between heroes), Black Panther (2018) (introducing a new African superhero and his nation of Wakanda), Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) (introducing Peter Parker as a young hero), Doctor Strange (2016) (revealing a powerful Sorcerer Supreme and another dimension), Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), Avengers: Infinity War (2018) (a massive crossover event where the Avengers attempt to stop Thanos), and Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) (a sequel to Infinity War).
Phase 4: The War of Realms (Approx. 2021-Present)
Following the devastation of Infinity War, the MCU has focused on the threat of the multiverse and the invasion of other dimensions. Key films include Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021), Eternals (2021), Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) (dealing with the consequences of Infinity War and the multiverse), Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), The Marvels (2023), and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023). This phase continues to explore the repercussions of past events and the vastness of the Marvel universe.
The MCU's story is constantly evolving, introducing new heroes, exploring different dimensions, and building towards major crossover events like Avengers: Endgame (2019), which resolved the Thanos storyline, and future projects that will further expand the universe.
