Avengers: Endgame marked the end of the Infinity Saga, but it also opened the door to a vast new narrative: The Multiverse Saga. After the defeat of Thanos and the sacrifice of Iron Man, the MCU entered a period of rebuilding and expansion, introducing new heroes, exploring different genres, and delving into the concept of alternate realities and timelines.
The post-Endgame era kicked off with Phase 4, which largely focused on the emotional aftermath of the Blip and the introduction of new characters and concepts. This phase explored themes of grief, identity, and legacy, often through Disney+ series that allowed for deeper character development. Key developments included the emergence of the Eternals, the introduction of the Multiverse as a central threat (especially in Loki and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), and the passing of the torch to a new generation of heroes like Sam Wilson as Captain America, Kate Bishop as Hawkeye, and Ms. Marvel.
Phase 5 then began to escalate the stakes, directly building towards the Multiverse Saga's overarching conflict. This phase further developed new teams like the Thunderbolts, introduced major new villains like Kang the Conqueror (a variant of whom was first seen in Loki), and continued to expand the cosmic and supernatural corners of the MCU. The focus shifted from individual character stories to setting up larger ensemble conflicts and exploring the consequences of multiversal incursions.
Currently, the MCU is progressing through Phase 5, with Phase 6 already announced to culminate in two new Avengers films: Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars. The central antagonist is Kang the Conqueror, a time-traveling, multiversal entity with countless variants, each posing a unique threat. The narrative is increasingly complex, weaving together stories from various films and Disney+ series to explore the vastness of the multiverse and the dangers it presents.
Pro tip: To fully grasp the post-Endgame narrative, watching the Disney+ series is almost as crucial as watching the films. Many key plot points, character introductions, and multiversal concepts are established and developed in the streaming shows, making them essential viewing for understanding the larger story arc.