What new Marvel movies are coming out in 2024?

Kevin Feige announced the news during the studio's massive Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday.

The end is nigh — well, the end of Marvel's Phase 5 slate, at least. And it hasn't even started yet!

News of a potential Thunderbolts movie began circulating last month, with director Jake Schreier reportedly tapped to direct and Black Widow writer Eric Pearson penning the script. While Feige didn't confirm their involvement, he did announce that the film is slated for a July 26, 2024, release. Thunderbolts will feature "an exciting new group of heroes," according to a news release.

The Thunderbolts first appeared in the pages of Marvel Comics in 1997, and the team of reformed supervillains has had a long, twisted history since then, with multiple iterations of the team throughout the years. It began as a crew of supervillains founded by Baron Zemo who disguised themselves as heroes after the Avengers were killed. The team eventually took on dangerous missions for the government, Suicide Squad-style.

After Thunderbolts, Phase 6 will begin with a Fantastic Four movie (in theaters Nov. 8, 2024) and will conclude with two new Avengers films: Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (in theaters May 2, 2025) and Avengers: Secret Wars (slated for a Nov. 7, 2025 release).

But wait, there's more! Feige also announced that Phases 4, 5, and 6 have been dubbed "The Multiverse Saga," and he celebrated the name by wearing it on his hat. "I love hats, and I love logos on hats," he said during the panel.

Additional reporting by Devan Coggan.

Related content:

• Marvel's Phase 6 to cap a 'Multiverse Saga' with 2 new Avengers movies
• Scott Lang confronts Kang the Conqueror in first footage from Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
• James Gunn teases Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 at Comic-Con: Adam Warlock, Rocket's origin, more
• Blade with Mahershala Ali carves out 2023 release date in Marvel's Phase 5

[Updated October 3, 2022]

Since Marvel Studios present Kevin Feige first introduced the notion of Phases to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, their purpose and length have always been mysterious. Sometimes, he even reconsiders where they begin and end after the fact. But with Marvel Studios’ presentation at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2022, the exact length and purpose of Phases Four, Five, and Six were revealed during a presentation notable for just how much information Feige was willing to offer. For one thing, the three phases form the next Marvel epic: The Multiverse Saga. And like The Infinity Saga before it, it will build from a phase of character introductions (the current Phase Four) to something full of war, dynasties, and secrets.

Of course, the introductions are far from ending. The final chapters of Phase Four will introduce Tatiana Maslany as She-Hulk, Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams, and Tenoch Huerta as Namor, the Sub-Mariner. Also, on the horizon is the arrival of the anti-hero team known as the Thunderbolts and, of course, Marvel’s first family, the Fantastic Four. And as we have for the last few years, we’re keeping track of it all in this comprehensive guide of every upcoming Marvel Studios film (and television show) with a handy calendar of the studio’s projects through 2025 (and beyond).

As always, we will continue to update this page frequently as new details emerge. And be careful: There are spoilers ahead. (Want to see what the other camp is up to? Check out our full breakdown of upcoming DC movies.)

COMING SOON IN PHASE FOUR

Phase Four comes to a close in November, but will offer a few more introductions before the Marvel Cinematic Universe takes a pause for most of the winter.

Werewolf By Night

Premiere Date: October 2022

What We Know: Doctor Strange composer Michael Giacchino turns his hand to directing once again with a Marvel Halloween special due out in October 2022. It will focus on Werewolf by Night and star Gael García Bernal as the Jack Russell iteration of the character. The Nevers‘ Laura Donnelly also stars as Elsa Bloodstone, with filming occurring in April. Judging by the trailer released in September, 2022, the hourlong, black-and-white special will focus on a number of monster hunters who must figure out which of them is actually a monster in disguise.

How It Fits in the MCU: Moon Knight famously debuted in the pages of Werewolf by Night and with Marvel Studios investing in the horror aspects of the Marvel library, we expect Bernal’s Werewolf to join forces with Moon Knight (Oscar Isaac) — now a supernatural character in the MCU — and Blade (Mahershala Ali) at some point in the next decade.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Release Date: November 11, 2022

What We Know: Despite the tragic death of Chadwick Boseman on August 28, 2020, plans for the Black Panther sequel pressed on. The sudden and awful loss only delayed production by a couple of months. Filming began in June of 2021 with Shuri (Letitia Wright) taking on a larger role and actor Tenoch Huerta signing on the play Namor, the primary antagonist. Martin Freeman, Florence Kasumba, and Angela Bassett all returned with Michaela Coel joining up as Aneka, a member of the Dora Milaje. Winston Duke is also back as M’Baku. Additional cast include Mabel Cadena as Namora and Alex Livinalli as Attuma. In December of 2020, Marvel changed the release date to the July 2022 slot. The subsequent May, the studio revealed the title as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Later that month, Danai Gurira set her return as Okoye. That July, Winston Duke told Collider he was returning to play M’Baku and in August, Feige revealed to Comicbook.com that Ironheart’s Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) will debut in the film ahead of her Disney+ series. That same month, Wright injured her back and left the production to recuperate in the UK. In the following months, her COVID-19 vaccination status became a concern for the production. Filming continued without her, but reportedly halted over the 2021 holiday. Shooting resumed in late January and wrapped in March. All was silent until the trailer premiered at SDCC 2022. In it, the Wakandan royal family grieves the loss of King T’Challa (Boseman) even as Atlantis and other hostile nations push Wakanda to the brink of war. Also, as the trailer teased in its final moments, a new Black Panther will emerge.

How It Fits in the MCU: The change in Wakandan leadership could have far-reaching effects, particularly as the embassies T’Challa envisioned were presumably built in his absence after Avengers: Infinity War. With Riri making her debut in the film, we have to wonder if she benefited from one of those embassy programs. It would be a nice way to keep T’Challa’s legacy alive in the wider MCU. Additionally, Namor’s retroactive status as Marvel’s first Mutant may lead to further understanding about them following their Ms. Marvel introduction. Also, we can’t help but wonder if one of the hostile nations testing Wakanda’s resolve is Latveria, the domain of Doctor Doom.

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

(Photo by © Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, © Marvel Studios)

Premiere Date: Holiday 2022

What We Know: The special was filmed concurrently with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and is set to stream the holiday season prior to the feature’s release. James Gunn wrote and directed the special, which we imagine will nod as much to The Star Wars Holiday Special as it will the Guardians’ own situation. We hope this means someone will do a big song-and-dance. According to Gunn, the special will be set between Thor: Love and Thunder and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. In August of 2021, he also revealed that the special is in-canon and will feature details leading into Vol. 3.

How It Fits in the MCU: Although the special will be canon, we hope it makes some canonically dubious choices like Star Wars’s infamous foray into holiday entertainment. In any event, we expect to see Groot dressed with Christmas lights and Nebula enacting her own weird version of The Gift of the Magi.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN PHASE FIVE

As Feige revealed at SDCC 2022, Phase 5 opens with an Ant-Man movie and closes with a team-up movie — but not the team you would expect. The phase opens with a lot of sequels and will feature the first Season 2 in their Disney+ television series initiative. And considering how it begins, we imagine the purpose of the Phase will be to set up the overall nemesis — Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors) even as it further re-establishes Daredevil in the MCU proper and sheds light on other corners of the vast Multiverse.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

(Photo by © Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, © Marvel Studios)

Premiere Date: February 17, 2023

What We Know: Based on the teaser screened at SDCC 2022, we can make a few guesses about the film’s plot — Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is enjoying his notoriety as one of the heroes who saved the world. But that joy is tempered as his daughter, Cassie (Kathryn Newton, taking over from Emma Fuhrmann), begins to follow in his criminal footsteps. Seemingly taking her more under his wing, she soon finds herself caught up in an Ant-Man and the Wasp adventure as they, and the whole Pym-Van Dyne family, end up stuck in the Quantum Realm. There, they run afoul of Kang and, as director Scott Peyton confirmed at the SDCC 2022 Marvel presentation, M.O.D.O.K. Returning characters include Hope (Evangeline Lilly), Hank (Michael Douglas), and Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer). Rick and Morty scribe Jeff Loveness provided the script with director Reed returning for his third heist with Scott and the gang. In December of 2020, Marvel revealed the title – Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – and confirmed Newton and Majors’s roles in the film. Production began in mid-May. In October, Bill Murray set social media on fire by announcing he has a part in the film (later confirmed by the Comic-Con teaser). Production ended that November. In April 2022, the movie swapped places with The Marvels as it is, apparently, that much closer to completion.

How It Fits in the MCU: Clearly, the intent here is to give Kang a big introduction inside the “tiny” world of Ant-Man and the Wasp. Also, Cassie’s newfound desire to get a costume of her own also suggests an eventual Young Avengers outing. Meanwhile, we hope M.O.D.O.K. finds his way out of the Quantum Realm and to whatever remains of Iron Man 3‘s A.I.M. Back in the comics, the two are indelibly linked.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

(Photo by © Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, © Marvel Studios)

Release Date: May 5, 2023

What We Know: Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is still heartsick for Gamora (Zoe Saldana), who has emerged as the leader of the Ravagers. His constant attempts to reestablish their life together prove to leave the Guardians vulnerable to other threats. Meanwhile, Rocket’s origins suddenly become important as the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji) makes his presence known in the galaxy. Oh, and just to make matters worse for the team, Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) finally emerged from that egg seen in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. The character very nearly appeared in that film and Avengers: Infinity War, but fell away as both movies were stuffed to the air ducts with characters. With Poulter cast in the role in October 2021, the character will finally do something in the MCU after missing the entire Thanos affair. Also, as he did before his temporary departure from the project, Gunn told to the Comic-Con 2022 audience that the film is indeed the conclusion to the story he began telling in the first installment — although he teased that an ending may not necessarily mean an unhappy one. Production began in November of 2021 with Gunn releasing a photo of the cast, which included the surprise reveal of Iwuji, then out of costume. Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Sean Gunn, and Sylvester Stallone return as their various Guardians characters. Filming was completed in May with Bautista noting it was emotional to say goodbye to Drax and the experience overall. In June, word surfaced indicating Nico Santos is also among the cast and at the subsequent 2022 Comic-Con panel, Gunn revealed Maria Bakalova as the person behind Cosmo the Spacedog.

How It Fits in the MCU: The High Evolutionary has many connections to characters like the X-Men, Doctor Doom, Thor, and Galactus back in the comics. But we imagine he will serve a very specific purpose here — maybe even one with Multiversal implications.

Secret Invasion (series)

(Photo by © Marvel Studios, © Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Premiere Date: Spring 2023

What We Know: Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) and Talos (Ben Mendelsohn) will deal with a sect of ill-intentioned Skrulls hiding on Earth and infiltrating “every level of life” on the planet. Word of the series first broke in September of 2020 as an unspecified Nick Fury project, but calling it Secret Invasion leads to something very pointed as Feige ultimately referred to the original Secret Invasion comic book event series as “the biggest” since Civil War. Kyle Bradstreet serves as the program’s head writer. In April of 2021, news broke indicating both The Crown’s Olivia Colman and Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke would be joining the cast. As both played royalty in other prestige series, speculation on their parts immediately centered on Skrull Empress Veranke, the main antagonist of the Secret Invasion comic book storyline. Nevertheless, it is unclear who they will play. In May of 2021, Thomas Bezucha and Ali Selim signed on to direct the series. Later in the month, Christopher McDonald joined the series in a role said to be original for the program, but with the potential to cross over into other aspects of the MCU. Production began in November 2021 with the subsequent Disney+ Day video revealing a brief glimpse of a grizzled and visibly older Fury alongside a decidedly more Skrull-like title card. The six-episode series wrapped production in April 2022. Soon after, Martin Freeman confirmed his character, Everett K. Ross, will also appear. During Marvel’s SDCC 2022 presentation, Smulders appeared on stage and referred to the program as “a darker show,” adding, “We’re going to see [Maria Hill and Nick Fury] in new ways.” The teaser screened at the event backed up her words by showing the two characters at odds and Fury unwilling to explain why he is the only person equipped to handle the Skrull threat. The teaser also confirmed reports that Don Cheadle would appear as Colonel James Rhodes.

How It Fits in the MCU: Picking up from Talos’s appearances in Captain Marvel and Spider-Man: Far From Home, the series will dramatize one of the possible MCU stories we’ve been talking about since the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame. That said, we still have to wonder if this is the threat Fury has been building a space armada to defeat or if the Skrull invasion is its own thing. Also, we suspect at least one character we’ve seen in a Disney+ series has been replaced with a Skrull; a concern that will only grow with each subsequent series (and film) until Secret Invasion streams.

The Marvels

(Photo by © Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, © Marvel Studios)

Release Date: July 28, 2023

What We Know: In January 2020, Marvel reportedly hired WandaVision staff writer Megan McDonnell to begin drafting a sequel to Captain Marvel. Brie Larson soon set her return as Carol. In August of 2020, Candyman director Nia Costa took the director’s chair from the first film’s Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, who were never expected to return. At the 2020 Disney Investor Day presentation, Feige revealed Ms. Marvel star Iman Vellani and WandaVision’s Teyonah Parris (as the grown-up Monica Rambeau) were joining the cast, confirming the film will take place in the modern-day MCU. In a subsequent Phase 4 sizzle reel, it was revealed the film would be called The Marvels. In June of 2021, Park Seo Joon reportedly joined the production. Production began that August with Kamala’s family from Ms. Marvel joining the cast. Zawe Ashton also joined up as an unknown villain. In October of 2021, the film was delayed to February 2023 in light of various scheduling changes and production delays around the whole Marvel operation. In April of 2022, it was once again delayed to July 2023, swapping spots with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Filming finally wrapped that May.

How It Fits in the MCU: Considering the continued cosmic emphasis post-Endgame, it is entirely possible The Marvels will follow-up on ideas from Guardians of the Galaxy and Eternals. But with both Kamala Khan and Parris’s grown-up Monica Rambeau joining Carol on this adventure, we know the film will feature Earth in some capacity — indeed, the final moments of Ms. Marvel put Carol planetside.

Echo (series)

Premiere Date: Summer 2023

What We Know: In March of 2021, word broke indicating Echo, who debuted in Disney+’s Hawkeye would get her own show. Etan Cohen and Emily Cohen serve as writers and executive producers of the series with Alaqua Cox reprising her role as the deaf assassin with a knack for picking up her opponents’ fighting styles. The story sees her leaving New York to reconnect with the Indigenous parts of her family. Of course, a new crisis interrupts that reunion. Marvel confirmed the series’ existence during the November 2021 Disney+ Day announcements and production began in May of 2022. The cast also includes Chaske Spencer, Tantoo Cardinal, Devery Jacobs, Cody Lightning, Graham Greene ,and Zahn McClarnon. Sydney Freeland and Catriona McKenzie are directing. In July of 2022, reports of Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio joining the program emerged, with a special note of Daredevil’s purpose in the series: looking for an old ally who might turn out to be Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter).

How It Fits in the MCU: Echo’s story continues on from the events of Hawkeye and, perhaps, straight into the designs of the Contessa (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Echo’s mimicry sure seems like an asset she would want for her team. Also, considering the way she parted ways with her uncle, Wilson Fisk (D’Onofrio), it is likely he may reappear in her life. In the comics, the character has appeared alongside Moon Knight and Daredevil, so her crossover potential is also pretty endless.

Loki Season 2 (series)

Premiere Date: Summer 2023

What We Know: During the Disney Upfront presentation in May of 2022, Feige revealed the cast of Loki would soon reassemble to shoot the program’s second season. Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, and Wunmi Mosaku are all back as Loki faces whatever became of the Time Variance Authority after Sylvie (Di Martino) killed He Who Remains (Johnathan Majors). For the moment, we’re going to assume Majors will appear as a variant other than Kang or He Who Remains. Immortus perhaps? Eric Martin takes over as head writer from Michael Waldron while directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead (of Moon Knight‘s middle episodes) take the reigns from Kate Herron. In June of 2022, Eugene Cordero confirmed he will also return.

How It Fits in the MCU: Presuming Immortus is the variant seen on the TVA statues in the Season 1 finale, it is possible he could appear as a more benevolent being than even He Who Remains. Sure, it’s a long shot, but it is possible. What this would mean for Kang is anyone’s guess. Meanwhile, we expect Loki will discover the problem lurking between all possible realities and possibly recruit his brother for aid.

Blade

(Photo by © Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, © Marvel Studios)

Release Date: November 3, 2023

What We Know: Feige stunned the 2019 Comic-Con crowd by announcing Mahershala Ali will be the MCU’s version of Blade. Although so much about the eventual film is still fluid, some things are starting to come into shape with Stacy Osei-Kuffour signing up to write the project and Feige admitting it will be a PG-13 affair. In July of 2021, word broke indicating Bassam Tariq will direct the picture. In November of 2021, Delroy Lindo emerged as the second person cast for the film. Although it is unclear who he will play, the internet quickly seized on the possibility of Jamal Afari, Blade’s mentor in the comics who was revamped into Whistler for the first Blade film trilogy. The following February, Aaron Pierre joined the cast in an unknown role. Production is expected to begin in August.

How It Fits in the MCU: While the MCU is a realm of science, mysticism, cosmic entities, and traditional crime, it lacks for genuine monsters. Emerging from Marvel Comics’ The Tomb of Dracula, Blade will no doubt be our guide into a darker corner of the MCU where one finds things that go bump in the night. Luckily, he’s pretty good with a sword and can vanquish them with relative ease. Of course, the literal demons of the Marvel Universe may present more of a challenge. In terms of a more concrete connection to the MCU, the character made a disembodied appearance in Eternals, stopping Dane Whitman (Kit Harrington) from embracing his destiny and, seemingly, adding the character to Blade’s corner of the Marvel Universe.

Ironheart (series)

(Photo by © Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, © Marvel Studios)

Premiere Date: Fall 2023

What We Know: Based on the character introduced into Marvel comics by Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mike Deodato (with a subsequent redesign by Eve Ewing and Kevin Libranda), Riri Williams (Dominque Thorne) is a robotics genius who builds a suit of armor more advanced than anything Tony Stark devised in his lifetime. She’ll probably need it as Tony left behind plenty of enemies who want control of his style of tech. In April of 2021, word broke indicating poet and Snowpiercer veteran Chinaka Hodge will serve as the program’s head writer and executive producer. The following February, Anthony Ramos joined the cast in a role that is both secret and compared to Jonathan Major’s debut in Loki while Lyric Ross also joined as Riri’s best friend. That April, Ryan Coogler’s Proximity production company signed on to produce while Blindspotting‘s Angela Barnes and Dear White People‘s Sam Bailey climbed aboard to direct. Additional cast members added in the summer of 2022 include Manny Montana and Alden Ehrenreich in a key role.

How It Fits in the MCU: Riri will also debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. And considering she is one of the younger Marvel characters, we imagine she will cross paths with Kamala and Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) before too long. Also, with her connection to Stark, we imagine she will be part of the upcoming Armor Wars series in some fashion.

Agatha: Coven of Chaos (series)

Premiere Date: Winter 2023

What We Know: The series will see Kathryn Hahn return as lovable witch Agatha Harkness. Presumably, she will have to find her way out of being nosy neighbor Agnes and then restore her powers for another fight with Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) — despite what happened to the Scarlet Witch in Multiverse of Madness. Or, maybe, this will finally be the show to introduce Mephisto. WandaVision’s Jac Schaeffer will once again serve as head writer, so maybe the series will also lean on single-character spinoff shows like Rhoda and Frasier for inspiration. At the 2022 Comic-Con presentation, Feige unviled the series’ proper title and release window.

How It Fits in the MCU: With Blade, Wanda’s experiences in MoM, and the 2022 Halloween Special, the increasing horror elements making their way into the MCU may be best explored by someone cloaked in traditional witchy trappings. Agatha just happens to fit that description perfectly.

Daredevil: Born Again (series)

Premiere Date: Spring 2024

What We Know: Although Charlie Cox teased knowing “some things” Marvel had in store for his character during interviews following his Spider-Man: No Way Home cameo, it was unclear if this meant further guest appearances or a return to fulltime duty as the Daredevil of Hell’s Kitchen. It seems it will be the latter with word finally breaking in mid-May 2022 that Marvel Studios is indeeed developing a Daredevil series for Disney+. The Enemy Within‘s Matt Corman and Chris Ord will reportedly serve as executives producers on the program, which is described as both a new iteration of Daredevil and continuing from stories told in the Netflix series. Cox will return as Matt Murdoch, as will Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk. At the moment, though, it is still unclear if Elden Henson, Deborah Ann Woll, or Wilson Bethel will return as their respective characters. One thing we’re pretty sure of, though, D’Onofrio’s Kingpin was Bliped and between the Echo series and Daredevil, he may have ample time to re-establish his empire and his beef with Matt. At the 2022 Comic-Con presentation, Feige also mentioned the series will be Marvel Studios’ first 18-episode production.

How It Fits in the MCU: Unlike the other Marvel Studios television projects, Daredevil is unique as it will cannonize stories that, while meant to be part of the MCU, always felt a universe or two away. Will it bring the other Defenders back as well? With 18-episode worth of time to fill, there may be a chance for the other street level heroes to chart their own new status quos in the MCU.

Captain America: New World Order

(Photo by ©Marvel Studios)

Release Date: May 3, 2024

What We Know: Immediately following the final episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, news broke of series writers Malcom Spellman and Dalan Musson beginning work on a script for the fourth Captain America film. It will continue with Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie, who closed his deal to star in August of 2021) as Cap and how he fulfills the role in a world still recovering from the Blip. Perhaps it will also address his connection to the Avengers (or what’s left of them). In July 2022, The Cloverfield Paradox‘s Julius Onah emerged as the film’s director. Fiege subsequently revealed the film’s title and release date at the 2022 Comic-Con presentation.

How It Fits in the MCU: With Sam firmly established as the new Captain America and the announced changes in GRC policy going forward, films like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and shows like Secret Invasion and Ironheart will presumably pick up the geopolitical threads and establish at least part of the crisis Sam will need to resolve in his first feature film as Cap. Also, is it possible for either of those shows to occur without Sam making an appearance?

Thunderbolts

Release Date: July 26, 2024

What We Know: In June of 2022, Deadline reported Robot & Frank‘s Jake Schreier will direct a Thunderbolts film — the project itself proving to be something of a surprise. Eric Pearson is writing the script based on the Marvel team of anti-heroes. In the original premise, Baron Zemo assembled a group of villains to masquarade as a superhero team and supplant the Avengers. But once Zemo’s true plan was revealed, the Thunderbolts became a squad with a more flexabile immorality.

At the 2022 Comic-Con presentation, Fiege mentioned he will talk about the Thunderbolts lineup “another time” — possibly September’s D23 Expo?

How It Fits in the MCU: Beyond the possibility of Zemo (Daniel Brühl) organizing an Avengers all his own, the notion of a Thunderbolts in the MCU seems tailor-made to explain the appearances and behavior of the Contessa. Could the team she is forming with U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell) turn out to be the Thunderbolts? Also: will they be called upon to truly replace the Avengers when Kang (or some other Thanos-level antagonist) finally makes good on their threat? Considering the film calendar Fiege revealed at Comic-Con, we have to wonder if the Thunderbolts will utterly fail, forcing a new Avengers to form.

PHASE SIX AND BEYOND

It was revealed at the SDCC 2022 presentation that Phase Six would begin with Fantastic Four and conclude with a two-part Avengers series in the latter half of 2025, although the September release date of Deadpool 3 may have shuffled things around just a bit. Considering it will be the culmination of the Multiverse Saga, we expect some of these films will takes place in other realties than the prime MCU. Also, considering how full the calendar is already, there may only be two additional films — and possibily a fourth Spider-Man — announced, developed, and released before the saga ends.

But beyond the saga are a number of reported television projects that have yet to take any real form. We are listing them below the Avengers films until such time as they become real and join the Phase Six schedule.

Deadpool 3

(Photo by @VancityReynolds)

Release Date: September 6, 2024

What We Know: With the news that former Bob’s Burgers writers Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin and Wendy Molyneux are scripting the third film in the funny X-related franchise, any number of things could happen. But we think the film will serve as the introduction of the X-Men in a roundabout way. Consider Deadpool’s (Ryan Reynolds) fourth-wall–breaking abilities and how they could be used to make him the only person cognizant that a fundamental change occurred around him. His quest to understand what happened and why his life is different could form an interesting story – particularly if it is built around finding the formerly dead Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) or discovering she never existed in his new reality. Although concrete plot details are unknown, Feige admitted in early 2021 that the film was in development and will be R-rated, but production would not begin until 2022. In March 2022, Free Guy and The Adam Project director Shawn Levy agreed to direct the picture. Deadpool and Deadpool 2 writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick also returned at that time to further develop the script. Then in late September of 2022, Reynolds himself took to twitter to release a brief teaser for the next Deadpool film in which he confesses he has no idea what to do for the character’s third outing… aside from asking Hugh Jackman to return to play Wolverine “one more time.” The teaser ends with the announcement of a September 6, 2024 release date, which either places it as the last film of Phase Five or the first film in Phase Six.

How It Fits in the MCU: As it will be the first R-rated MCU film, it sort of doesn’t. That may be part of the point, though, as we now think most of the Phase 6 films will take place in other realities. Although, we can’t help but think the incursion Clea (Charlize Theron) and Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) are heading off to fight might be centered around Wade and his sudden appearance in the MCU.

Fantastic Four

(Photo by )

Release Date: November 6, 2024

What We Know: At the 2019 Comic-Con, Feige merely mentioned he “ran out of time” to discuss the Fantastic Four or mutants. While both concepts will eventually make their way into the MCU, we expected that integrating Marvel’s first family will be the priority and maybe even the whole point of Phase 5. Like many on the internet have suggested, placing them in the 1960s during their first film – but making the world forget about them for decades – is an elegant way to introduce them and acknowledge their absence all this time. In that context, they also serve as a great replacement for the similarly time-lost Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). In December of 2020, Marvel announced Spider-Man: Far From Home director Jon Watts would helm the project, but then announced his departure in April 2022, just a week or so shy of John Kransinski making a cameo as Reed Richards in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Some expect he will direct the movie, but as it is still unclear if he will even star in the film, this is just conjecture. He did not appear at the 2022 Comic-Con presentation and Fiege said little else about the film than its release date and place as the Phase 6 opener.

How It Fits in the MCU: The Fantastic Four bring with them a surprisingly robust rouges gallery. To be honest, we’re a little more excited to see Doctor Doom, Annihilus, and Galactus make their MCU introductions than the Richards clan – although, Kang’s involvement in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania means the family will ultimately be important. And now that we know this is the Multiverse Saga, we have to wonder if the film (and the bulk of the Phase 6 films) will take place outside the MCU.

Armor Wars (series)

(Photo by © Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, © Marvel Studios)

Premiere Date: TBA

What We Know: According to Feige, this series will be Tony Stark’s “worst fears come to life” as bad actors get ahold of some Iron Man tech. Only Colonel James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) – a.k.a. War Machine – will be in a position to stop them. In August of 2021, Black Monday’s Yassir Lester emerged as the series’ head writer. Production is expected to start in late 2022. And as the series was not mentioned at all during the SDCC 2022 presentation, Lester took to his Instagram stories to clarify that it is still happening.

How It Fits in the MCU: Cheadle, of course, has played Rhodey since Iron Man 2 and survived terrible color schemes for his armor, the crushing of his legs, and the Blip. So he’s well-placed to defend Tony’s technology. Also, we can’t help but think Ironheart will show up to offer him some aid.

Shang-Chi 2

(Photo by ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.)

Release Date: TBA

What We Know: Early in December of 2021, reports suggested director Destin Daniel Cretton will return to helm a Shang-Chi sequel and develop other projects for Disney and Marvel. Presumably, Simu Liu and Awkwafina will return as Shang-Chi and Katy with Meng’er Zhang continuing to rebuild the Ten Rings as Xialing. We also imagine Wong will appear in some capacity, as the signal Shang-Chi’s Ten Rings are sending into space will lead something to Earth. Of course, readers of the recent Gene Luen Yang-written Shang-Chi comic book may wonder if, perhaps, the Five Weapons Society will also be introduced. But with word that Cretton will direct the next Avengers film (more below), it is possible the Shang-Chi sequel will end up on the back burner for some time.

How It Fits in the MCU: The signal broadcasting into space is the big one here. Will it attract a dragon-like alien race to the epicenter of the Blip? Is it the thing Nick Fury has been preparing for? Or is it a huge diversion while the Ten Rings organization returns to prominence in the criminal underworld? And speaking of Xialing’s future as a crime boss, she will no doubt face opponents like Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp) and Kingpin in her quest to be more successful than her late father.

Spider-Man 4

(Photo by Matt Kennedy/©Sony Pictures Releasing)

Release Date: TBA

What We Know: Mere hours into Spider-Man: No Way Home’s theatrical run, Feige confirmed Marvel Studios and Sony are already developing a fourth MCU Spider-Man film. Indeed, No Way Home producer Amy Pascal indicated in early December of 2021 that a second trilogy was in the works, but Sony Pictures CEO Tom Rothman walked that back at the film’s Los Angeles premiere. And yet, the conclusion of No Way Home makes it clear Peter Parker (Tom Holland) has a part to play in the phases to come. In the meantime, of course, he still needs to clear Spider-Man’s name and get some vestige of his life back. Also, there is that piece of Venom left behind in Mexico …

How It Fits in the MCU: Bear with us as we speculate wildly. The Venom symbiote may be a long-game thing, waiting in the wings until Avengers: Secret Wars – in honor of the comic book event title of the same name in which Peter first received the black spider-suit – so Spider-Man 4 could concern itself with a hero trying to re-establish his cred in a New York filled with Hawkeyes, Daredevils, and the Fantastic Four. In fact, a cinematic re-creation of The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (in which Peter tries to join the FF) would be an amazing starting point. Also, it is always possible he’ll find organized crime kingpin Wilson Fisk as his new opponent. One other thing to consider: as Sony is in charge of Spider-Man release dates, this project will have to fit in between the other Phase 6 ambitions. Also, it could end up pushed to Phase 7.

Avengers: The Kang Dynasty

Premiere Date: May 2, 2025

What We Know: The fifth Avengers film will presumably set up the endgame of The Multiverse Saga. Also, judging by the name, it will likely see Kang in charge of everything. On July 26, 2022, word broke indicating Destin Daniel Cretton will direct the film.

How It Fits in the MCU: Since we can only guess, we’re going to assume Kang will merge the MCU with other realities to form a new Sacred Timeline.

Avengers: Secret Wars

Premiere Date: November 7, 2025

What We Know: The sixth Avengers film will conclude Phase 6 and The Multiverse Saga. The title also offers a few clues as Marvel Comics has published two epic stories with that name. The first saw heroes and villains transported to Battleworld so the Beyonder could watch them fight. The second saw some heroes remembering how their world was before various incursions collapsed it and plotting against Doctor Doom, the unquestioned master of all reality, to restore the universe they loved. Also, Spider-Man Miles Morales joined the mainstream Marvel Comics Universe in the aftermath.

How It Fits in the MCU: No matter how Kang’s rule of the universe ends, we expect the MCU will look fairly different afterward. Oh, and the post-credit scene — if one happens — would be the perfect moment to reprise the X-Men animated series theme again.

Wonder Man (series)

Premiere Date: TBA

What We Know: Initially an untitled series tied to Cretton’s overall deal with Disney, news broke in June of 2022 that the project is, indeed, a Disney+ show centering on Wonder Man. Initially a villain, the character saw the error of his ways (after dying, of course) and eventually joined the Avengers as a member in good standing. Also of note: his brain patterns were utilized to create Vision in the comics. Andrew Guest will serve as head writer on the program with Cretton acting as an executive producer. He may also direct a few episodes provided it does not conflict with his Avengers commitments. Production might begin in 2023.

How It Fits in the MCU: Presuming he ends up debuting in Phase 6, Wonder Man could help resolve the mystery of White Vision (Paul Bettany) and, perhaps, aid the latter character in integrating all his memories. But as Wonder Man’s civilian identity is an actor, there may also be another chance to illustrate what movies look like in the MCU.

Ryan Coogler’s Wakanda-Set Television Series (series)

(Photo by Matt Kennedy/Marvel Studios)

Premiere Date: TBA

What We Know: As part of an overall deal with Disney, Black Panther director Ryan Coogler will develop and produce a series set in Wakanda. It is unclear if it will tell more tales of the country’s past or expand on ideas and characters seen in the film and its sequel. Beyond its setting, nothing else is known.

How It Fits in the MCU: Presuming it is set after Wakanda Forver, it may be a story about the nation rebuilding after the events of the film.

Untitled Okoye Series

(Photo by Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Premiere Date: TBA

What We Know: In late May of 2021, word broke indicating Danai Gurira will lead a Disney+ spinoff detailing Okoye’s rise through the Dora Milaje ranks. This project appears to be an additional Wakanda concept beyond the one Coogler is developing.

How It Fits in the MCU: A focus on Okoye – and the other Dora Milaje for that matter – offers untold possibilities for story and further exploration of Wakanda. It could also strengthen her ties to characters beyond its borders.

Untitled Scarlett Johansson Production

Release Date: TBA

What We Know: During a November 2021 American Cinematheque award ceremony in Scarlett Johansson’s honor, Feige let slip that the Black Widow star will be producing a project for Marvel Studios. Characterizing it as “top secret,” the studio chief also said the production will have nothing to do with Black Widow.

Johansson’s involvement with Marvel is somewhat surprising, as she sued Disney over the Disney+ premiere of Black Widow earlier that year. Although such suits are not uncommon, there seemed to be an unusual level of animosity between Disney and Johansson’s team – in the press, at least. But with the matter resolved, it seems Johansson will still take part in Marvel’s future endeavors.

How It Fits in the MCU: Since this is a “top secret” project, anything is on the table – including a film version of A-Force, the all-female Avengers team. Also, although we’re listing this as a movie project, it is also possible this will be a Disney+ series.

FULL LIST OF UPCOMING MARVEL MOVIES

November 11, 2022 – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

February 17, 2023 – Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

May 5, 2023 – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

July 28, 2023 – The Marvels

November 3, 2023 – Blade

May 3, 2024 – Captain America: New World Order

July 26, 2024 – Thunderbolts

September 6, 2024 – Deadpool 3

November 6, 2024 – Fantastic Four

May 2, 2025 – Avengers: The Kang Dynasty

November 7, 2025 – Avengers: Secret Wars

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