Alpha: Rise of the Phoenix Force

Alpha: Rise of the Phoenix Force is a superhero film, based on the Marvel Comics characters Eternity and Infinity, as well as, The Phoenix Force. It is the twenty-fourth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the first film of Phase Four. The film was released on May 7, 2020.

The film is written and directed by Gareth Edwards and stars Calum Kelmer as Alpha the Eternity Warrior, Emilia Clarke as Omega the Infinity Warrior, Liam Hemsworth as Adam Warlock, Glenn Close as Irani Rael, Brie Larson as Carol Danvers/Mar-vell, Kurt Russell as Ego the Living Planet, Beyonce Knowles-Carter as Infinity and Charles Dance as Eternity.

A Sequel, Alpha: Negative War, was released in 2023. A second Sequel, Alpha: Inhumane Warfare was set to be released in 2025, however, Calum Kelmer severed his contract with Marvel Studios due to conflict with the head of the studio Kevin Feige, this led to the movie being re-branded as Captain Marvel: Inhumane Warfare. A new agreement was reached a month later when Kevin Feige left the studio and was replaced by Jon Favreau and the final movie in the trilogy, The Last Avenger, was announced for a 2027 release.

Synopsis
Marvel Studios' "Alpha: Rise of the Phoenix Force" dives into Alpha's past as it revealed he has not always been the compassionate hero he has previously been shown to be. It shows the efforts and sacrifices Alpha has made to serve his masters and how it has shaped him into the Avenger he is today.

Plot
Near Contraxia, the Phoenix Force moves through the Universe, it superpowers several ships in the atmosphere and causes a major power surge all over the planet, although no is harmed, there is mass panic. On Xandar, the Nova Corp dispatch two of their best officers to investigate, Captain Nova and Sergeant Mar-Vell.

In the Overspace, Alpha and Omega meditate in front of their parents before Eternity speaks for the first time in almost a thousand years, he sends them both to investigate the Phoenix Force which he has sensed moving for the first time since it had been released by Omega on the Day of Light, Eternity and Infinity warn them not to fail in retrieving the Force, as they are dying, and without it, so too will the Guardians perish.

Alpha and Omega travel to several different parts of space, they sense that The Phoenix Force has been present in the location they are investigating but the trail goes cold, when a group of Galactic Archaeologists try to investigate, Alpha murders them as they are getting in the way. Omega questions Alpha as to whether their parents should be allowed to return from exile, Alpha reminds her they live to serve and it is not their job to doubt, she agrees.

Ego the Living Planet also senses the Phoenix Force moving, he deploys his only living son, Warlock, to find the Phoenix Force and bring it to him so that he may return to his full strength and lay siege to the galaxy once again. Warlock is also warned not to fail, he promises his father that nothing will stand in his way.

While Investigating the Phoenix Force's appearance both Nova and Mar-Vell encounter Warlock who battles them, determined to track the energy source, they fight back but are overpowered by Alpha and Omega who arrive in time and overhear the conversation. They beat Warlock who flees, both of the Officers thank the duo but they turn on them and demand to also know what they know about the Phoenix Force, while the Officers question if that is what caused the destruction, the duo refuse to confirm it. Mar-Vell states that while they don't know where it is, they have a way of tracking it back on Xandar. Alpha states that they will come with them, but, if they try to betray them, they will slaughter their people, Omega apologises for Alpha's intensity.

While travelling to Xandar, Nova attempts to learn more about Alpha, but, Alpha does not engage in conversation. Instead, Omega gets to know their new allies, she asks who it was that they fought, Mar-Vell explains that he is a galactic terrorist who has been stealing power sources for years and been taking them to an unexplored region of space. Omega asks Alpha if he thinks it could be Celestial that their parents once fought with, Alpha speculates that it could be. Unknown to all of them, Warlock follows them to Xandar.

On Xandar, Alpha and Omega are introduced to Irani Rael, Irani initially orders the duo to be locked up but Nova stops her, warning her that he doubts they could be contained. Rael plays along and explains that if they could help them capture Warlock, then, they will help the duo capture The Phoenix Force. Omega agrees but Alpha notices something and flies off into the sky, he attacks Warlock, who has been watching them. After a short fight, Alpha, with the help of Sergeant Mar-Vell, defeats Warlock and detains him before demanding to know where The Phoenix Force is. Impressed with Alpha's power, Rael agrees to help them track it.

While Rael tracks the Force, Nova and Mar-Vell interrogate Warlock, but, he doesn't budge, frustrated Mar-Vell flies off. Alpha and Omega take some time to get to know their new allies, Omega who has fit in better on Xandar than her brother, takes great interest in the culture, while Alpha does not, eventually a young boy named Richard tries to talk to Alpha and says that he looks like his dad, Alpha says he does not care before leaving to follow Omega who has followed Mar-Vell. Omega reassures Mar-Vell that she is good at what she does, and, that not everything is easy. Alpha overhears this and interrupts, scolding Omega for getting close with the people that are working for them. Omega gets angry at Alpha, she calls him out for being so dedicated to their parents that he never lets up and that maybe he should open his eyes and appreciate more than just the mission. Alpha refuses and leaves her.

Back on the surface, Alpha meets with Nova who has managed to get Warlock to reveal that he is helping his father. Alpha; who is growing increasingly interested, and worried, with Warlock, is impressed with Nova and states that after they have secured the Phoenix Force, would be interested in working with Nova to track down Warlock's father. Nova jokes with Alpha about breaking down his tough side, Alpha does not laugh, suddenly, the young boy returns and Nova reveals that the boy is his son, Alpha tells the boy that his father is a great soldier, the boy agrees.

In his cell, Warlock communicates with his father telepathically, Ego punishes him for failing which causes him great pain, Warlock promises he will not fail and just needs more time, Ego threatens him before breaking the connection. When Warlock comes to, he sees Alpha watching him. Suddenly, Mar-Vell arrives and tells Alpha that they have found The Phoenix Force and that if they move now, they may be able to catch it.

They travel deep into Kree Space and on the way, Nova continues to tell Alpha stories about how he wants his son to be the greatest warrior in the Universe one day, Alpha also explains to Nova how to improve his blasts of energy and enhances Nova's armor with some of his own energy, stating that he will need it for the battle ahead. Omega tells Alpha that she has noticed him getting closer with Nova, Alpha attempts to rebute the point but Omega laughs and tells him to enjoy it, Alpha does not reply.

They reach the point where The Phoenix Force is showing up on the scanners and Irani states that they must have missed it but Alpha tells everyone to be quiet and manages to summon it with the help of Omega. Alpha attempts to secure it peacefully but it fights back and the duo attack it, the Nova Corps join them and a battle ensues. Amid the battle, The Phoenix Force causes major destruction and kills many, Alpha and Omega witness this, feeling overpowered and shocking, Alpha asks if Omega can hear it screaming in fear and pain, she reveals she does and that the only way to stop it is to capture it, Alpha is unsure.

In his thoughtful state, The Phoenix Force fires a powerful blast at Alpha which he doesn't notice, however, Captain Nova does, and just in time, he pushes Alpha out of the way, taking the full blast himself. This shocks everyone, Alpha absorbs the blast and manages to go binary which stuns the Force long enough for it to be absorbed by a device the Nova Corps use. Alpha immediately rushes to Nova's side, he is initially angry at Nova for doing that as he could have taken the blast, but, his anger turns to compassion and he thanks him, realising that Nova didn't act out of stupidity, but, infact selflessness, as Nova dies. Alpha is hurt by this and when Omega reminds him that they were victorious, Alpha states that not entirely.

They arrive back on Xandar, where Richard and his mother await Raymond's return, Alpha sees this and asks Irani if he can tell them. She allows him, Maria breaks down crying, while young Richard doesn't understand why his father isn't coming home. Later on, Alpha finds Richard and speaks to him, telling him that his father was the greatest soldier ever, before leaving, Alpha gives Richard his father's helmet.

Later on, Alpha and Omega meditate and contact their parents, Eternity and Infinity are overjoyed with their success, they compliment their children which Alpha ignores but Omega is grateful for, Eternity says she has redeemed herself for her past actions which further pleases the Infinity Warrior. Alpha does not speak and is cold to their parents, Omega tells them that something shook him on the mission, in an attempt to comfort his son, Eternity tells Alpha that when they return from Exile, nothing shall cause Alpha pain anymore, however, Alpha remains cold. Once they leave the trance, Alpha is contacted by Mar-Vell, who reveals that Warlock wants to speak to him.

Arriving at the cell, Warlock explains to Alpha exactly why he needs the Phoenix Force, Alpha tells Warlock he understands having a twisted parent with terrible goals. Alpha then realises that, after witnessing the potential destruction the Phoenix Force can cause, his Mother and Father cannot be allowed to return to the Galaxy. Alpha leaves the cell block but Omega greets him, he makes his case about releasing The Phoenix Force but Omega denies that the idea is good. Alpha tells her he doesn't care, but, Omega stands in his way and tells him that nothing will stop her from bringing her parents The Phoenix Force.

The next day, at Raymond's funeral, Alpha meets with Mar-Vell, he confides in her and she feels hurt that Alpha wants to release the thing that killed her best friend, Alpha reveals that a lot more people are going to die if Omega delivers The Phoenix Force to their parents. Eventually, he sways her and he releases Warlock, stating that he needs his help, Warlock agrees to help defeat Omega, if he can have the Phoenix Force, Alpha lies and agrees. They reach the sanctuary of The Phoenix Force, where it is contained, but, when they attempt to reach it, Omega arrives with the Nova Corps.

Alpha makes his case to Irani, she is initially skeptical, but Alpha reveals who his parents are and what they want to do with it, he tells her that no one should have that power, she agrees and they turn their guns on Omega, Alpha asks his sister to stand with him, but she tells him she did that once before, and then she took the fall for him. He attempts to kill her and a battle ensues, Mar-Vell manages to release The Phoenix Force before Omega attempts to kill her, Alpha stops her and Omega flees after The Force.

In Space, Omega chases The Phoenix Force to Earth where she manages to absorb some of its power and go binary, when she realises that she has nothing to contain it, she begins to absorb it herself. Alpha and the others track her and when Alpha witnesses what is happening, he calls out to his sister but she ignores him. Omega wipes the floor with all of her enemies, Alpha reveals he has one last thing to try, he hears The Phoenix Force cry out in pain and goes into a trance.

Alpha reaches out to The Phoenix Force and it listens to him, he tells it he wants to help, but, it doesn't believe him. Alpha states that it was him who freed it, it considers this before stating it was Mar-Vell, Alpha states that's not what he is talking about. It then realises and agrees to trust Alpha, Alpha tells him to let Omega possess it completely so that she will be ripped apart.

When Alpha comes to, he tells everyone else to retreat, he fights Omega himself and takes a beating, on the verge of death, Alpha hears Richard Rider's voice, when he realises that The Phoenix Force is taking Richard's voice for Alpha, Alpha listens to it, The Phoenix chooses Alpha to be the Guardian of the Multiverse and then it willingly posses Alpha with what is let of it's soul. Alpha continues to fight Omega and almost beats her, but, it is not enough, Alpha surrenders to Omega and allows her to take his power too, she does, but it is too much for her and it shatters her soul spreading it, along with The Phoenix Force, across the entire Universe in a cataclysmic explosion, which, Alpha's absorbs.

Alpha floats in space, dying, his allies attempt to revive him, The Phoenix Force that is inside him speaks to him and asks him to reassemble it so it may continue on it's sacred set out path, he agrees and it revives him, with a piece of The Force living inside him.

Before Alpha comes to, he finds himself in the Overspace in front of Eternity and Infinity. They thank him for bringing them The Phoenix Force, but, Alpha does not release it to them when they demand it, he begins to charge up his binary power and fire it at them, when he realises he cannot kill them, he decides to enhance the seal on the Overspace, banishing them forever to reflect on their evil until their deaths. Before he leaves, Eternity reveals that he knew it was always Alpha who had sabotaged them on the Day of Light, not Omega, he just let her take the fall, and that he will always be as evil as them for what he had done, he accepts that and hopes that one day they can forgive him.

Alpha awakens on Xandar, Mar-Vell sits beside him and is happy to see him awaken, Irani enters and tells him he is a hero, Alpha states he is no hero and that he has a new mission, she asks him to stay but he says he cannot. After he leaves the room, Irani promotes Mar-Vell to Captain and thanks her for her service. Alpha goes to find Richard and tells him he will show him the stars one day, Richard says he will wait for Alpha. Before leaving the planet, Alpha is greeted by Warlock, Warlock reveals he knew Alpha was lying, Alpha states that he wasn't entirely, he gives Warlock a tiny part of the energy before stating he will see him again some day. Warlock thanks him, then leaves. Shortly before leaving, Mar-Vell says goodbye to Alpha, she asks him if he is going to search for Omega, but, Alpha says she is gone, but he will follow in her footsteps and see more of the Universe. He also congratulates her on her promotion before telling her he knows she is human, she is shocked but laughs and salutes him. Finally, he says that her new title would sound cooler as 'Captain Marvel', she laughs and says she'll consider it.

In a mid credit scene, Alpha returns to Earth and questions where to start. He sees Tony Stark throwing the nuke through the worm whole and decides that he may be something interesting to watch. He then senses a young boy calling out asking the voices to stop.

In a post credit scene, Warlock returns to Ego who is enraged by his failure, it is enough for Ego to survive a while longer but Ego casts Warlock out, he then reveals he has discovered a potential source.

In a second post credit scene; Richard, now older, looks at his dad's helmet, he puts it on and is shocked by the power imbued in it thanks to the Phoenix Force.

Cast

 * Calum Kelmer as Alpha the Eternity Warrior
 * Emilia Clarke as Omega the Infinity Warrior
 * Liam Hemsworth as Warlock/Adam
 * Glenn Close as Irani Rael
 * Brie Larson as Carol Danvers/Mar-Vell
 * Marco Frelini as Raymond Rider/Captain Nova
 * Mila Kunis/David Henry as The Phoenix Force
 * Jacob Tremblay as Richard Rider
 * Tye Sheridan as Older Richard Rider (Post-Credit)
 * Kurt Russell as Ego the Living Planet
 * Beyonce Knowles-Carter as Infinity
 * Charles Dance as Eternity
 * Alexandra Breckenridge as Maria Rider
 * Zoe Saldana as Gamora (Cameo; Uncredited)
 * Karen Gillan as Nebula (Cameo; Uncredited)
 * Danny James as John Grey (Voice Only; Uncredited)
 * Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star Lord (Cameo, Post-Credit, Archive Footage; Uncredited)

Locations

 * The Overspace
 * Xandar
 * Earth

Events

 * Rise of the Phoenix Force
 * Destruction of Tantum V
 * Destruction of Skrullos
 * Battle of Contraxia
 * Locating the Phoenix Force
 * Blockade of Earth
 * The funeral of Captain Nova
 * Clash of the Warriors

Production

 * On July 20, 2019, at San Diego Comic-Con 2019, Kevin Fiege revealed the slate of Phase Four movies, confirming the long rumored Alpha solo movie, entitled 'Alpha: Rise of the Phoenix Force'. He also confirmed that Calum Kelmer's Alpha would be taking the lead of the MCU following Robert Downey Jr.'s departure.
 * Fiege also confirmed that Emilia Clarke, Liam Hemsworth and Charles Dance would be joining the cast in supporting roles, it was revealed that Clarke would portray Omega the Infinity Warrior, Hemsworth would play Nova and Dance would portray Eternity.
 * Finally, Fiege revealed that Gareth Edwards would write and direct the movie while Kelmer would help produce it.
 * On August 11th, 2019, at the Disney Investors meeting 2019, Kevin Fiege confirmed that Beyonce Knowles-Carter would portray Infinity in the film while Glenn Close and Kurt Russell would return as Irani Rael and Ego the Living Planet respectively.
 * It was also confirmed that Liam Hemsworth would no longer portray Nova in the film, and while Nova would still appear in the film to some degree, his role would be reduced largely and that Hemsworth would now portray a different character in the supporting cast. The "Nova" film which had be on the original Phase Four Slate for a May 2022 release was also removed.
 * Several days later, Gareth Edwards confirmed that the reason Nova had been written out of his original role in the film, and the reason that the Nova solo film had been moved back was due to scheduling complications for Hemsworth and that James Gunn would no longer be able to direct the film.
 * When the first trailer was revealed for the film on November 18th, 2019, it was confirmed that Hemsworth would be portraying Adam Warlock in the film.
 * On September 11th, it was rumored that Brie Larson would appear as Captain Marvel in the film, and that the film would explore Alpha and Carol's history as well as their friendship which was first shown in "Avengers: Endgame".
 * Larson confirmed her appearance in the film several days later when she was asked about it in an interview and stated that she was excited to give Carol some more depth, and increase excitement, before her solo outing which was set for a November 2020 release date. She also added that working with Calum was fun and that she hoped that fans would enjoy both Alpha and Carol's friendship, comparing it to the likes of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers' friendship.

Delete Later
In Nova Corps Space a powerful force destroys a large fleet as well as wrecking havoc through a system. Irani Rael sends out Sergeant Mar-Vell and Captain Nova to investigate. They narrowly escape with their lives.

In the Overspace, Eternity and Infinity sense the Phoenix Force moving and send their personal warriors, The Eternity Warrior and the Infinity Warrior, to the Reality Realm to capture the power and return it to them so they can finally make peace in the Galaxy.

Elsewhere in the Galaxy, Ego the Living Planet, who is dying, senses it as well. He creates a manifestation of his own power to bring it to him. He names it Warlock.

Alpha and Omega follow the path of the force and finally they encounter it, they fight the physical manifestation of it and it puts up a good fight, they defeat it and prepare to return to the Overspace but Warlock arrives and tries to take it. They fight over it and it escape moving again. They prepare to kill Warlock when the Nova Corps arrive, they demand Warlock be arrested for tampering with the Phoenix Force after they had previously tried to stop it. Alpha and Omega agree once the Corps claim they can help track it.

On Xandar, Alpha and Omega remain cold to everyone, they have one mission which they are determined to complete. Alpha and Omega question Warlock as to why he seeks the Force, he refuses to tell them and he angers Alpha causing him to lash out, he starts to absorb some of Alpha's power before Omega puts an end to it. Alpha is banished from the interrogation. While barred he meets Richard Rider who makes Alpha laugh, Richard tells Alpha all about how brave his dad is and Alpha agrees that his dad is brave. Alpha becomes interested in the Xandarian culture, he gets to know Raymond and his family as well as Sergeant Mar-Vell. He begins to question whether or not Eternity and Infinity are right to want to take away free thinking. Eventually, Irani Rael reveals they've tracked the Phoenix Force to Earth and all prepare to leave, Omega scolds Alpha for letting his emotions get the better of him and Alpha apologises. They all head to Earth, unaware of Warlocks new power he has absorbed. Once in Earth's atmosphere, they find the Force has arrived at the same time, they move to attack it and after a lengthy battle, they defeat it. However, in the process, Captain Nova is killed; Alpha demands he and Omega return to Xandar to go to the funeral, Omega looks down at him for his sympathy. On Xandar at the funeral, Alpha is moved by it and decides to reject his mission. He breaks into the prison cells to speak to Warlock who is dying, Alpha releases some of his energy to him and Warlock promises to help him release the Phoenix Force, if he can bring some back to his master. Alpha agrees. They break into the containment facility and release the Phoenix Force. Sergeant Mar-Vell and Omega find them and fight them, they are defeated and detained but the Force is free.

They awaken and are questioned, Alpha reveals to Omega he can't go along with the mission. Irani questions what the mission is and Omega reveals it, Irani turns on her for what she wants. Omega tries to kill her but Alpha interferes. Omega escapes and Alpha agrees with the Nova corps to help them stop her from getting the Phoenix Force. They reveal they can no longer track it but Alpha reveals that it told him it is being drawn to Earth. They go to Earth where Omega has already engaged it. Alpha stops the battle and reveals to the Phoenix Force that he wants it to go free but he needs its help for his friend. It allows Alpha to talk, when Alpha tries to talk to Omega she appears to listen but then tries to kill him, she almost succeeds but Warlock and Sergeant Mar-Vell stop her. They all engage it when Omega finishes absorbing part of it. She then begins to wipe out the Nova Corps. Alpha pleads with the Phoenix Force to help and it merges with him. He battles Omega until they both land on the moon, stripped of the Force as it was too much for them to hold onto. Alpha declares Omega is beaten and that she should submit, she tries to attack him but he kills her, tearfully.

Back on Xandar, Irani and Sergeant Mar-Vell thank Alpha and Warlock for their help. Warlock is, however, upset as his master will kill him for failing. Irani says he can stay but he says he doesn't want to bring that pain to them. She asks Alpha if he will go home but he says now that he has betrayed Eternity and Infinity as well as losing so much of his power when he was damaged by the Phoenix Force, he will never be able to return home and face them. She asks Alpha to stay but he says he wants to investigate why the Phoenix Force was so drawn to Earth. Before departing Alpha asks Sergeant Mar-Vell, who has been promoted to Captain, what her real name is. She questions how he knew she was from Earth before revealing it is Carol Danvers. He jokingly tells her it would sound better as Captain Marvel. Alpha prepares to depart before he speaks to Richard who is sad, Alpha tells him he'll return one day as he wants to show him the galaxy. Richard hugs him and he departs. Alpha and Warlock prepare to depart ways before Alpha gives him part of the Phoenix Force which he has managed to hold onto. Warlock thanks him and they depart ways.

In a mid credit scene, Alpha returns to Earth and questions where to start. He sees Tony Stark throwing the nuke through the worm whole and decides that he may be something interesting to watch. He then senses a young boy in New York calling out asking the voices to stop.

In a post credit scene, Warlock returns to Ego who is enraged by his failure, it is enough for Ego to survive a while longer but Ego casts Warlock out, he then reveals he has discovered a potential source.

In a second post credit scene; Richard, now older looks at his dad's helmet, he puts it on and is shocked by the power imbued in it, thanks to the Phoenix Force.