Summary
The MCU's early TV shows, Agents of SHIELD and Daredevil, hinted at three upcoming shows in 2015 that were later released in Phase 5.
The Skrull alphabet used in Agents of SHIELD foreshadowed the Secret Invasion storyline, a highly anticipated Phase 5 show. Daredevil introduced both the titular character and Kingpin, who will have significant roles in the upcoming Daredevil: Born Again and Echo. This extensive set-up not only highlights the interconnectedness of the MCU but also raises fans' expectations, which can potentially lead to disappointment.
In 2015, three Phase 5 Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) shows were foreshadowed almost a decade before their respective air dates. Although many believe WandaVision in 2021 to be the MCU's first TV venture, the MCU had previous TV shows before the introduction of Disney+. The only issue with these shows was the uncertainty surrounding their canon status, which still persists in some cases.
Putting the canon ambiguity aside, the MCU's array of TV shows actually began back in 2013 with Agents of SHIELD. This paved the way for the Netflix section of the MCU, starting with Daredevil and subsequently giving birth to Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, The Punisher, and The Defenders. Thanks to two of these projects in 2015, three upcoming Marvel Disney+ shows were already being teased, and have since been released or are scheduled for release in Phase 5.
Daredevil & Agents Of SHIELD Teased 3 MCU Shows By 2015
The two previous shows in the MCU are Daredevil and Agents of SHIELD. These shows hinted at three upcoming projects: Daredevil: Born Again, Echo, and Secret Invasion. Secret Invasion, which has already been released, is often ranked lower compared to other Marvel TV shows. In Agents of SHIELD season 1, episode 4, the Skrull alphabet was mentioned for the first time in the MCU, foreshadowing the shapeshifting aliens' role in Secret Invasion's Phase 5 story.
Daredevil: Born Again and Echo were indirectly introduced through the existence of Daredevil in 2015. With Wilson Fisk/Kingpin and Matt Murdock/Daredevil playing significant roles in both upcoming Phase 5 shows, their debut in the MCU hinted at their future appearances. If Netflix's Daredevil is confirmed as part of the MCU, it further solidifies the connection between Daredevil: Born Again, Echo, and the 2015 show.
Why Marvel's Long Show Teases Are A Good & Bad Thing
The teases of Phase 5's shows, almost 10 years before their release dates, stir up debates on whether such extensive setup benefits or harms the MCU. On the positive side, the advanced establishment of stories, characters, and storylines showcases one of the strongest aspects of the MCU: its interconnected nature. Preemptively hinting at certain aspects demonstrates the meticulous planning of Marvel Studios, making the overall universe feel more cohesive.
However, these significant gaps between foreshadowed elements and their corresponding projects can also impede the excitement. The hype surrounding individual elements may diminish over time. Conversely, allowing fans ample time to speculate, theorize, and discuss how things will unfold can elevate expectations to unreasonable levels. Consequently, regardless of what the Marvel Cinematic Universe eventually presents after such a long wait, only a flawless show would meet the heightened anticipation.