The different "canonities" within the MCU
The Marvel Cinematic Universe
Includes: Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Ant-Man, Doctor Strange & Spiderman This is all the films produced by Marvel Studios. The main Marvel continuity. All other media in the MCU connects or references this universe in some way. This universe has only ever crossed over with it-self and has never referenced any other media. |
The Marvel Netflix Universe
Includes: Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Defenders & The Punnisher This is all of the series created by Marvel Studios in collaboration with Netflix. These shows often crosses over with each other and has multiple characters that are main characters in more than one show. This universe has made major nods to the main Cinematic Universe with mentions of the Avengers, The Incident and with a visible Avengers Tower in the background. |
The Marvel ABC Universe
Includes: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Agent Carter & Inhumans This is all of the series created by ABC for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This universe is populated by Inhumans and has major connections to the films. The character Phil Coulson of "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." originated in the films and is now the star of the show. This universe acknowledges the events of the movies and has even had storylines which cross over with the films. The films however has never crossed over back. They have also had visual references to the Marvel Netflix Universe. |
The Marvel Sony Universe
Includes: Spiderman, Venom, Black Cat & Silver Sable This is an upcoming universe of films produced by Sony. They will acknowledge the events of the main Marvel Cinematic Universe and they might even feature Tom Hollands Spiderman but they will never cross over with the MCU in any way other than on its own. |
Exceptions
The Incredible Hulk
This standalone Hulk movie created by Universal Studios. This movie is set in the MCU and even has a cameo by Tony Stark himself. The Bruce Banner of this movie, portrayed by Edward Norton is however not anymore part of the MCU. |
The Spiderman: Homecoming Trilogy
Tom Holland's Spiderman movies will be set in two different universes at once. They will both be in the mainstream Marvel Cinematic Universe but he also exist in the Marvel Sony Universe. |