Why MCU Phase 4 Is So Much Darker Than Phases 1-3
The MCU Phase 4 is perhaps its darkest yet, and here's why. Marvel films in Phases 1-3 were comfortably situated as fairly family-friendly works. They were embedded with light comedy, fun characters and great action. Phase 4, however, has taken a darker turn, and for very good reason.
Previously, the MCU began to touch on deeper issues in Phase 2 with Iron Man 3. After the Battle of New York, Tony suffered from intense panic attacks, likely attributed to PTSD. While it is a large focus of his character in that film, it is mostly discarded in the following films. The next time the MCU attempts to tackle something of this depth is at the end of Phase 3 in Avengers: Endgame. Thor, feeling as though he's no longer worthy, and that he played a role in Thanos' success, becomes depressed. He drinks to numb his pain, and loses his muscular physique. This, however, is played for laughs and isn't treated seriously by the film.
Related: The Big MCU Phase 4 Issue Is Making You Care About An Avengers Replacement
However, the MCU shifts to a darker place in Phase 4. For instance, WandaVision primarily concerns grief, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier addresses racism and power corruption, and Hawkeye touches upon survivors' guilt. Further, the opening credits of Black Widow heavily referenced trafficking, and Spider-Man: No Way Home finally showcased Peter's dark side. All of these topics are treated seriously, and as part of an ongoing journey with each character. The reason behind this switch could well be as a direct response to the collective trauma set up in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame.
Thanos' threat (though perhaps related to the Celestial emergence) was the biggest faced by the MCU to date. Everybody lost somebody, and
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