In January 2021, the Marvel Cinematic Universe embarked on a new era with its Disney+ original series, starting with WandaVision. Although it wasn’t planned as the debut MCU series on the platform, it established a benchmark for unique serialized storytelling that resonated widely with audiences. This shift was a noticeable departure from Marvel’s earlier Defender Saga, which concluded in 2019 and included all three seasons of Daredevil. WandaVision emerged as a carefully considered venture into new narrative possibilities (and clearly aimed to bolster the streaming service). Four years on, its pioneering quality and ambition are only matched by the two installments of Loki.

The acclaim and widespread appeal of these series stemmed from their novel focus on the inner workings of characters like Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Loki Laufeyson (Tom Hiddleston), which the films had not previously explored. The formula for success was straightforward: craft a compelling and enjoyable narrative, introduce other characters from the comics, and ensure a meaningful connection to the larger film universe. In the case of WandaVision, it tied seamlessly into 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. However, this well-rounded strategy began to lose its sheen as subsequent releases varied in quality and coherence, leading to what’s been termed “superhero fatigue,” a phrase that quickly became overused.

Looking ahead to 2025, Marvel seems poised for a revamp: it’s phasing out older characters to inject fresh energy into its lineup. Dominique Thorne made her debut as Riri Williams in 2022’s Wakanda Forever, and she’s set for her own series, which steps away from the Black Panther narrative. Additionally, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II begins his portrayal of Wonder Man, and Charlie Cox reprises his role as the vigilante lawyer Matt Murdock, bringing a high-quality MCU polish to his gritty character from Netflix. Moreover, Marvel Animation is planning its most ambitious year yet with three new series anticipated to refresh the familiar formula.

The effectiveness of these new entries remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Marvel executives are aware that not all projects succeed simply by association with well-known characters. The standalone adventures of Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) without their original anchors received a lukewarm response, and other series like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Secret Invasion fell flat. Even She-Hulk: Attorney At Law, Ms. Marvel, and Hawkeye , despite being entertaining, couldn’t avoid the cameo-driven approach, leaving the future appearances of characters like Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany), Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), and Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) uncertain.

This scattered strategic approach has resulted in a viewing experience that feels increasingly disjointed and demanding. As Marvel introduces its slate for 2025, it’s clear that a return to character-driven stories may be on the horizon, starting with Daredevil: Born Again in March. After undergoing a creative overhaul, this series aims to blend nostalgia with fresh narratives for Disney+. Matt Murdock is back in action after recent appearances in She-Hulk and Spider-Man: No Way Home, and the show will pick up several years after Avengers: Endgame, exploring the aftermath of The Blip for Matt, Foggy (Elden Henson), and Karen (Deborah Ann Woll).

Similarly, the events of Wakanda Forever will influence Riri Williams in Ironheart, premiering in June. After leaving MIT, Riri returns to Chicago where she encounters The Hood (Anthony Ramos), initially an ally in perfecting her exo-suit, who later becomes an adversary. This series, like Ms. Marvel, portrays the emergence of a Young Avenger.

Ending the year, Wonder Man debuts in December, exploring the life of Simon Williams (Abdul-Mateen II) as a superpowered actor. This project, a collaboration with Onyx Collective, promises a unique blend of superhero action and comedy.

On the animation front, Marvel kicks off with Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, introducing a new Peter Parker (Hudson Thames) mentored by Norman Osborn (Colman Domingo). This year also sees the release of Eyes of Wakanda and Marvel Zombies, potentially setting a new standard for Marvel’s animated offerings.