Marvel Cinematic Universe enters 'late style' phase with Disney+ series WandaVision and Falcon and Winter Soldier

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has transitioned into a phase reminiscent of Theodor Adorno's concept of 'late style' following Avengers: Endgame (2019). This era features Disney+ shows such as WandaVision (2021), where Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) constructs a sitcom-like reality in Westview to manage her grief over Vision's passing, which concludes ambiguously as she heads into Doctor Strange 2 (2022). The Falcon and the Winter Soldier further develops Captain America's legacy through Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie). Future releases, including Loki (June 2021), What If...? (mid-2021), Black Widow (July 9), and Eternals (November), perpetuate this self-referential narrative. Edward Said’s 2004 essay characterizes these works as 'intransigent,' reflecting themes of loss and grief, notably in Black Panther 2 after Chadwick Boseman's death.