Marvel’s Phase 5 Ends With Ironheart Finale, Closing One of the MCU’s Rockiest Chapters

A significant chapter in Marvel Studios’ history is coming to an end. On July 1, with the final three episodes of Ironheart hitting Disney+, Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will officially close. And for many fans and critics alike, it couldn’t come soon enough.

It’s no secret that things have felt different since Avengers: Endgame. While the post-Infinity Saga era, dubbed the Multiverse Saga, had promising moments, Phase 5 has largely been seen as one of the most inconsistent and turbulent stretches in MCU history. Now, with Ironheart wrapping up this phase, Marvel has a chance to recalibrate—and all signs point toward Phase 6 being a potential return to form.

Why Phase 5 Was a Rough Ride for Marvel Studios

The idea behind Phase 5 seemed solid on paper: deeper multiversal stories, more character development, and a mix of theatrical films and Disney+ shows. But what followed was a series of highs and lows that left audiences confused about where the MCU was headed.

Phase 5 kicked off with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which was meant to be a major turning point. Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror was poised to become the next Thanos-level threat. But the film underwhelmed critically and commercially—and Kang’s future was abruptly cut short following Majors’ real-life legal troubles, forcing Marvel to pivot away from its central villain.

Then came Secret Invasion, another high-expectation project that flopped hard. What was supposed to be a gripping spy thriller with deep MCU implications ended up being one of the franchise’s most poorly received series.

Meanwhile, other titles like The Marvels also struggled. Not only did it suffer from delays and behind-the-scenes changes, but it ultimately became the lowest-grossing MCU film to date. These stumbles piled up, reinforcing the idea that Phase 5 was spinning its wheels with no clear direction.

That’s not to say it was all bad. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 delivered a heartfelt and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. Loki Season 2 deepened the multiverse storyline with emotional weight and strong performances. Deadpool & Wolverine brought the fun back and raked in box office success.

But overall, Phase 5’s biggest issue wasn’t its lows—it was the inconsistency. For every standout hit, there was a flop that felt disconnected from the larger MCU. Fans weren’t sure what mattered anymore, and Marvel’s shared-universe magic started to feel diluted.

On top of that, Phase 5 struggled financially. Despite a few hits, it grossed only $3.6 billion globally—the lowest of any MCU phase and even lower than Phase 1, which launched the franchise with far fewer films and a smaller fanbase.

Phase 6: The Comeback Marvel Desperately Needs

Fortunately for Marvel, Phase 6 already looks far more promising—and it’s coming in hot with a powerhouse lineup.

The era will begin with The Fantastic Four, one of the most highly anticipated Marvel projects in years. The iconic team is finally joining the MCU after decades of being locked behind rights issues, and fan hype is through the roof. Starting Phase 6 with a major theatrical event is a clear signal that Marvel wants to kick things off with a bang.

And The Fantastic Four is just the beginning. The phase also includes two new Avengers films—both expected to bring back major legacy characters like Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man and Ian McKellen’s Magneto—and a new Spider-Man movie titled Brand New Day. If even half the rumored cast returns, these films could easily break box office records.

Each of these titles feels like an anchor, something Phase 5 sorely lacked. With clearer connective tissue and stakes that feel universe-altering, Phase 6 has the potential to recapture the kind of excitement that fueled the Infinity Saga.

Marvel also seems to be listening. Behind the scenes, there are reports of major strategy shifts for Phase 7, including tighter storytelling, fewer overlapping projects, and a focus on quality over quantity.

A Closing Chapter and a New Beginning

As Ironheart puts the final stamp on Phase 5, Marvel Studios finds itself at a crossroads. The last couple of years have tested fans’ patience and trust in the franchise. But with Phase 6 ready to launch with some of the most anticipated movies in superhero history, there’s real hope that the MCU can right the ship.

The next few years will be pivotal. If The Fantastic Four and the next Avengers installments deliver, Marvel could enter a new golden age. If they don’t, it might be time for a much deeper reimagining of what the MCU is supposed to be.

Either way, Phase 5 is in the rearview now—and that alone feels like a breath of fresh air.