All 5 MCU Projects Set Up By Fantastic Four: First Steps

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As a passionate movie critic, I can’t help but express my anticipation for Marvel’s Phase 6, which has been expertly primed with the release of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” in July 2025. This long-awaited cinematic venture introduces Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Marvel’s very own First Family, breathing life into the MCU in a way that previous adaptations have only dreamt of.

Set on Earth 828, this fresh take on the Fantastic Four is more authentic to the comics, boasting vibrant characters and a strong emphasis on family dynamics. This promises an engaging new chapter for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as an exhilarating journey for the team itself.

Marvel Studios has experienced a significant change in its approach, with an increased emphasis on quality rather than quantity. This new focus is clearly visible in recent productions such as Deadpool & Wolverine, Agatha All Along, Thunderbolts, Ironheart, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Continuing this trend, The Fantastic Four: First Steps sets the stage for exciting developments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), particularly those that have been skillfully set up through the Fantastic Four’s journey in First Steps, as well as the film’s unexpected ending – including the surprising mid-credits scene of The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

BE WARNED: This article contains major spoilers for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

5) Avengers: Doomsday (2026)

At present, there are only two Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films that have been officially scheduled for release in 2026. One of these is titled “Avengers: Doomsday,” a film directed by the experienced Russo brothers who previously worked on MCU projects. In this movie, Robert Downey Jr. returns to his role as Doctor Victor Von Doom, having made his official debut in the mid-credits scene of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” The appearance of Doctor Doom at the end of “First Steps” was a significant surprise, as he interacted with four-year-old Franklin Richards, a character who had been previously seen in the Baxter Building, four years after the team’s confrontation with Galactus (portrayed by Ralph Ineson).

In Marvel Comics, Doctor Doom and the Fantastic Four share a long-standing rivalry with each other, as Doctor Doom and Reed Richards have been lifelong adversaries. The portrayal of Doctor Doom in the movie “First Steps” was played by Downey Jr., who hails from Earth 828, indicating that this alternate reality will play a significant role in “Doomsday’s” narrative. Set to release on December 18, 2026, “Avengers: Doomsday” will see the introduction of the Fantastic Four into the MCU alongside some of its most famous characters, joining forces to confront Doctor Doom. This upcoming story promises much excitement as it delves deeper into the conflict between these iconic characters.

4) Avengers: Secret Wars (2027)

In the year following “Avengers: Doomsday,” which is set for release on December 17, 2027, “Avengers: Secret Wars” will serve as the conclusion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse Saga and a decisive battle for the MCU’s heroes against Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Doctor Doom. The introduction of Doctor Doom in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” and the formation of the Fantastic Four, along with their extraordinary abilities, pave the way for the epic confrontation in “Secret Wars.” Particularly significant is the fight between Mister Fantastic and Doctor Doom from Marvel Comics’ 2015 “Secret Wars” event, which ended Doom’s rule. It would be exciting to witness this storyline unfold in live-action as well.

3) Silver Surfer Special Presentation (TBC)

Given that Shalla-Bal’s Silver Surfer made a promising debut in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” it would be fascinating to have a Marvel Cinematic Universe Special Presentation centered around her character. Julia Garner, who played the herald of Galactus in “First Steps,” delivered an outstanding performance, and the movie hinted at her backstory on Zenn-La. While this aspect was only briefly touched upon in the film, a Special Presentation could delve deeper into Shalla-Bal’s relationship with her daughter, the attack by Galactus on her world, her work for the planet-eater, and the events leading up to her sacrifice in “First Steps.

2) X-Men (TBC)

In the Phase 6 movie, it’s possible that the first characters for Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Men reboot were introduced, although not explicitly in “First Steps.” Given Franklin Richards’ status as an Omega-level mutant and one of the universe’s most powerful characters in Marvel Comics, he could be a fitting addition to the X-Men reboot. This new X-Men series is being penned by Michael Lesslie and directed by Jake Schreier, who is also working on “Thunderbolts.” So, it’s plausible that “First Steps” has introduced another powerful mutant who could potentially join the ranks of the future X-Men team.

1) The Fantastic Four 2 (TBC)

Currently, Marvel Studios hasn’t officially confirmed a direct sequel to “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” However, in June, Variety hinted that a movie centered around Marvel’s First Family might occupy an unclaimed 2028 release date. It’s been confirmed that Pascal, Kirby, Quinn, and Moss-Bachrach will reprise their roles in “Avengers: Doomsday” and are expected to appear in “Secret Wars.” This upcoming series could set a new timeline for the MCU, making it likely that sequels to “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” will be developed, with the main characters taking center stage in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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2025-07-28 00:10