Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is currently at a standstill. Black Widow, which was supposed to kick off a Phase 4 slate that included films like The Eternals and Disney+ shows like WandaVision and The Falcon and Winter Soldier, was pushed from its original May 1st date to November 6th.

While we’re optimistic, it’s still unclear whether or not we’ll get to see a Marvel film before 2021. But like Carol Danvers arriving to save Tony from a stranded spaceship, a small beacon of light has arrived in the form of a fun update. Deadline recently broke the news that Marvel hired director Nia DaCosta to helm Captain Marvel 2. DaCosta, fresh off the Candyman reboot, is a welcome addition to a team that includes WandaVision story editor Megan McDonnell. It also solidifies the MCU’s commitment to finding directors with specific strengths who can help bring Marvel’s story to life.

When we last left Carol Danvers at the end of Captain Marvel, it was the 1990s and she was heading back to space to help the Skrulls find a new life. She returned to Earth in the present day to help the Avengers defeat Thanos in Avengers: Endgame. As of now, Captain Marvel 2 is set to arrive on July 8, 2022. What adventures might Carol find herself on when we see her again?

Let’s break down some popular theories.

Theory #1: The introduction of S.W.O.R.D.
Nick Fury in Captain Marvel

Marvel Studios

This seems like one of the most probable theories given some seemingly obvious set-ups. In Spider-Man: Far From Home‘s second post-credit scene, Nick Fury was shown lounging on a tropical island—in a Skrull space station. The scene revealed that Skrull Talos had been impersonating Fury on Earth and helping Peter.

Could this Skrull station be the base of operations for S.W.O.R.D? (Otherwise known as The Sentient World Observation and Response Department.) Given that the MCU intends to focus on the cosmic universe in its next phase of films, all the pieces seem to line up for S.W.O.R.D. being introduced sooner rather than later. And Captain Marvel 2 seems like the perfect place for that to happen.

Theory #2: Monica Rambeau becomes a superhero

When Marvel revealed Candyman star Teyonah Parris would play the adult version of Monica Rambeau in WandaVision, there was immediate talk of whether or not that meant the little girl who looked up to Carol would become a superhero in her own right. After all, she’s already taken the mantle of Captain Marvel in the comics. We still don’t know how the Disney+ shows will influence the MCU timeline. But it’s possible that whatever timeline bending takes place in WandaVision could affect Monica in Captain Marvel 2.

And remember: “Every little girl flies.”

Marvel Studios

Theory #3: The movie will introduce Galactus and his heralds

Thanos was the Big Bad of the first three phases of the MCU. So who will be the main foe for the Avengers going forward? How about another purple threat by the name of Galactus? According to a theory from Screen Rant, it’s possible that Captain Marvel 2 will introduce Galactus by way of the Heralds of Galactus. In the comics, Galactus devoured the Skrull homeworld. And since the Skrulls are a big part of Captain Marvel already, well… following that comic storyline isn’t exactly a far-fetched theory.

Theory #4: Secret Invasion

When the Skrulls officially joined the MCU, fans figured it was only a matter of time before the Secret Invasion storyline came to light. That particular event features undercover Skrull operatives secretly replacing prominent heroes as part of a secret attack on Earth. The Skrulls weren’t exactly introduced as evil villains in Captain Marvel, but that doesn’t mean things can’t change over time. And as Spider-Man: Far From Home showed, Skrulls are already among us.

Marvel Studios

Theory #5: The introduction of brand new Avengers

We know we’re getting a new group of Avengers at some point. And the MCU is known for using films to set up the trajectory of future heroes, whether through cameos or legitimate storylines. It seems likely that Captain Marvel 2 might follow that pattern and set up the introduction for Kamala Khan (a.k.a Ms. Marvel), a character who is already getting her own Disney+ series. Or, since we’re already in intergalactic territory, might we get a cameo from Nova? Anything is fair game.

Remember, these theories are just that: theories. But with some time to ponder what the MCU has in store for us, we’re definitely curious about what might be coming for our favorite heroes.

Featured Image: Marvel Studios

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