All 12 MCU Movies Releasing After Fantastic Four: First Steps

by

At present, Marvel Studios has around 12 additional films lined up for the Marvel Cinematic Universe following the premiere of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps“. In this film, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn join the MCU as Marvel’s iconic family, the Fantastic Four. They are united in the reboot of Marvel Studios to confront Ralph Ineson’s Galactus, who poses a threat to their world. “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” lays the groundwork for some of the most anticipated future projects within the MCU, opening doors for numerous upcoming films in the universe.

Currently, there are just three more Marvel Cinematic Universe films set to be released, all leading up to “Avengers: Secret Wars” in 2027, which marks the end of the Multiverse Saga. However, Marvel Studios has at least five additional projects confirmed to be in development, with many more on the horizon that have yet to be officially announced. Among these upcoming films, titles like “Blade,” “Doctor Strange 3,” and Marvel Studio’s reboot of “X-Men” are particularly noteworthy, and the future for the MCU is looking bright in every direction.

12) Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31, 2026)

It was announced in October 2024 that Destin Daniel Cretton would take over from Jon Watts as director of “Spider-Man: A Fresh Start”, with a release date set for July 31, 2026. Tom Holland will reprise his role as Peter Parker’s Spider-Man in a storyline rooted in reality that continues from the end of 2021’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home”. Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Sadie Sink, Liza Colón-Zayas, and Jon Bernthal are set to join Holland. Notably, Bernthal will make his first appearance as Frank Castle’s Punisher in a feature film. “A Fresh Start” is expected to initiate a new trilogy for the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man.

11) Avengers: Doomsday (December 18, 2026)

In the year 2024 at San Diego Comic-Con, it was officially announced that the Russo brothers would be back with Marvel, this time directing “Avengers: Doomsday” and its follow-up for Phase 6. The cross-over events are set to introduce no less than 27 significant characters from the MCU, with even more anticipated to join in. Among them is Robert Downey Jr., who will reprise his role as the supervillain Doctor Doom. “Doomsday” is rumored to delve into incursions and catastrophic multiversal destruction, bringing together heroes from diverse realities to confront Doom. This epic storyline is expected to pave the way for an even more intense narrative in 2027.

10) Avengers: Secret Wars (December 17, 2027)

2027’s “Avengers: Secret Wars” will cap off six action-packed years of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) storytelling, picking up right where the fight against Doctor Doom in “Avengers: Doomsday” left off. This Phase 6 film will be influenced by both the 1984 and 2015 comic book events titled “Secret Wars,” with the latter resulting in a revamp of Marvel Comics’ continuity. As confirmed by Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige, “Avengers: Secret Wars” is also expected to reset the MCU, providing a unified timeline that will address the arrival of mutants, the assimilation of the Fantastic Four, and resolve any ongoing confusion within the MCU.

9) Armor Wars (TBC)

Although “Avengers: Secret Wars” is the only Marvel Cinatic Universe film with a confirmed release date, there are numerous other projects underway at Marvel Studios. One such project is “Armor Wars,” which was initially planned as a Disney+ TV series but has since been transformed into a movie in September 2022. Don Cheadle is anticipated to reprise his role as War Machine, starring in his first MCU film. However, information about the project has been limited over the past few years, particularly following the underwhelming response to Rhodey being replaced by a Skrull in the 2023 series “Secret Invasion.” The future of “Armor Wars” remains uncertain.

8) Black Panther 3 (TBC)

After much anticipation, it was officially announced in March 2025 that Marvel Studios is developing “Black Panther 3.” Director Ryan Coogler is set to return for this sequel, and Denzel Washington will make his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It’s likely that Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Tenoch Huerta Mejía, Danai Gurira, and others will reprise their roles. Producer Nate Moore has confirmed this project as his last with Marvel Studios. The film is expected to be influenced by the events of “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Secret Wars,” where the Wakandans team up with other MCU heroes to face Doctor Doom.

7) Blade (TBC)

The Marvel Studios remake of Blade has faced a rocky production journey, with changes in directors and writers. However, recent confirmations suggest that the project is now moving forward positively, as announced by Feige, who revealed it will be set in modern times, contrary to initial drafts that aimed for a period piece. Academy Award-winning actor Mahershala Ali has been cast as the lead character, Eric Brooks (Blade), following his voice debut in Eternals’ post-credits scene. The release date of Blade was initially scheduled for October 2024 but is currently uncertain.

6) Shang-Chi 2 (TBC)

In April 2024, Simu Liu verified that a follow-up to the 2021 release of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is currently being crafted at Marvel Studios. However, Destin Daniel Cretton’s commitments to “Wonder Man” and now “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” suggest that we might have to wait a while before seeing “Shang-Chi 2” on the big screen. Fortunately, you can expect more exciting Shang-Chi adventures in “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Secret Wars,” which could lay the groundwork for an engaging plot in Liu’s next Marvel Cinematic Universe solo film. Notably, Kevin Feige has just confirmed that characters like Shang-Chi will be a major focus for the MCU moving forward.

5) Doctor Strange 3 (TBC)

Although Marvel Studios hasn’t officially announced a third solo film for Doctor Strange starring Benedict Cumberbatch, the actor has hinted at its development. In an interview with Variety in January, he mentioned that discussions about the next installment are open and expressed curiosity about who might write and direct it, as well as which aspects of the comic lore they could explore to keep Strange’s character growing. Following 2022’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” a sequel could delve deeper into Charlize Theron’s Clea character, while also providing a more grounded perspective for Strange after the multiversal adventure that concludes Phase 6.

4) Scarlett Johansson’s MCU Movie (TBC)

In November 2021, The Hollywood Reporter disclosed that Scarlett Johansson was collaborating with Marvel Studios on a previously undisclosed film project. Despite her legal dispute with Disney following the release of “Black Widow,” this movie is said to be under development, but specific details about its story or character remain unknown. Johansson recently received an executive producer credit for the 2025 film “Thunderbolts,” which she has contested, while her separate MCU project – unrelated to “Black Widow” – is also in progress, though few details have been disclosed about it.

3) Deadpool & X-Men (TBC)

After the phenomenal success of 2024’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which catapulted Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and set the record for highest-grossing R-rated movies ever, it was only a matter of time before more Deadpool-centric projects were greenlit for the MCU. While it doesn’t appear that a direct sequel is on the horizon, Reynolds is busy cooking up a project centered around Deadpool and a handful of X-Men members – likely the fresh, new team coming our way in future MCU installments. This venture hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, remains in its infancy, and the direction it takes may depend on the fallout from “Avengers: Secret Wars.” As your friendly neighborhood movie reviewer, I can hardly contain my excitement for what’s brewing!

2) The Fantastic Four 2 (TBC)

In June, it came as no shock when Variety announced that Marvel Studios was planning a follow-up to “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” This upcoming movie could potentially fill one of Marvel’s open release dates in 2028, given their dedication to the original and the team’s significant role in the MCU’s future. After “First Steps,” “Doomsday,” and “Secret Wars,” the Fantastic Four will enter the MCU with a fresh continuity, paving the way for thrilling and expansive storylines in their live-action adventures ahead. With the success of “First Steps” anticipated, it seems that sequels are an unavoidable outcome for the MCU.

1) X-Men (TBC)

One of the most thrilling upcoming movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is Marvel Studios’ fresh take on the X-Men. Previously, this mutant team starred in 20th Century Fox’s X-Men series, but Marvel Studios plans to present a more comic-authentic, vibrant, and youthful rendition of the squad. Director Jake Schreier of Thunderbolts has been confirmed for the highly anticipated X-Men reboot, with a screenplay written by Michael Lesslie, who penned The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. In this new version, the entire X-Men team will be recast with fresh talent to allow for character growth and development over many years, promising an exciting future for the MCU.

Marvel Studios has some open release dates scheduled for February 18, May 5, November 10, and December 15 in the year 2028. However, these dates could potentially shift as Marvel now prioritizes quality over quantity in their productions. Moreover, Kevin Feige’s recent statements indicate that Marvel is actively planning as far ahead as 2032, hinting at numerous unannounced movies and TV series in the early stages of development. Given Marvel’s current resurgence, the future appears promising for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/marvel-mcu-best-movies-sequels-list-ranked/embed/#

Read More

2025-07-24 17:12