Captain Marvel Producer Explains How The Film Connects To The Wider MCU

Timeline-wise, the story of Captain Marvel unfolds in relative isolation from its fellow MCU entries. But while Carol Danvers’ solo debut is the first film in the franchise to take place primarily in the ‘90s, the events of this decade have still been touched upon in previous entries, be it the death of Howard Stark or Klaw stealing Vibranium from Wakanda.

Speaking to ComicBook.com during a visit to the Captain Marvel set, executive producer Jonathan Schwartz addressed this MCU history, suggesting that while these events form part of backdrop, the movie is largely concerned with giving Carol her own space.

“It’s all happening,” Schwartz said. “It’s all happening in the background. Part of what we liked about the 90s, like I said, was giving Carol her own turf. There are a lot of setups, and there are a lot of connections to other things happening in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but I think what’s most important is giving Carol space for her own adventure.”

Though most MCU entries are obligated to fit in with the continuity of several other stories from around the same period, it’s nice to know that Captain Marvel will take advantage of the creative freedom allowed by its ‘90s setting. At the same time, as a virtual prequel to the rest of the Marvel franchise, fans have offered plenty of theories on how the movie could tie in to the rest of the cinematic universe, and recent statements from co-directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck have even led to speculation that Tony Stark could make an appearance somewhere in the film.

Regardless, we already know of a few familiar figures who’ll get a little backstory in the MCU’s next release. While Schwartz has indicated that the movie will partially serve as an origin story for Nick Fury, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. star Phil Coulson is also set to make an appearance, along with Guardians of the Galaxy villains Ronan the Accuser and Korath the Pursuer. We’ll find out who else crosses paths with the MCU’s most powerful hero when Captain Marvel hits theaters on March 8th, 2019.