The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an American media
franchise and shared universe centered on a series of superhero films
produced by Marvel Studios. The films are based on characters
that appear in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
The franchise also includes television series, short films, digital
series, and literature. The shared universe, much like the original
Marvel Universe in comic books, was established by crossing
over common plot elements, settings, cast, and characters.