The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is on the cusp of a new era, and it’s all starting to take shape with the upcoming release of Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25, 2025. As the MCU continues to expand its vast universe, this new film is poised to play a significant role in the franchise’s future. Let’s dive into what’s in store for the MCU’s next chapter.
Connecting the Dots: Fantastic Four and Avengers: Doomsday
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is not just another standalone MCU movie; it’s directly connected to Avengers: Doomsday, releasing on December 18, 2026. According to sources, the events of Fantastic Four: First Steps will serve as a catalyst for the massive culmination in Avengers: Doomsday, marking the “dawn of a new era of heroes.” The film is set in an alternate reality, Earth-828, a retro-futuristic world inspired by the 1960s, and features the World Devourer, Galactus, and his herald, the Silver Surfer. This setup is sure to excite fans and lay the groundwork for the MCU’s future.
The connection between the two films doesn’t stop there. The mid-credits scene of Fantastic Four: First Steps was reportedly filmed concurrently with Avengers: Doomsday production and directed by the Russo Brothers, teasing a future crossover. This level of integration is a testament to Marvel Studios’ commitment to building a cohesive narrative across the MCU.
Beyond Fantastic Four: Exploring the MCU’s Future Projects
As the MCU continues to expand, Marvel Studios is working on several other projects that will shape the franchise’s future. One such project is the upcoming Disney+ series, Wonder Man, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. The show is a Hollywood-set superhero satire that follows struggling actor Simon Williams as he competes for the lead role in a remake of a movie about himself. In this iteration, Wonder Man has superpowers, giving Williams a rare dual identity as both a rising Hollywood actor and an unexpectedly formidable hero.
Marvel Studios is also reportedly looking for creatives with a fresh vision for the MCU’s future, as they prepare for the end of the Multiverse Saga and the start of Phase 7. With the MCU’s Multiverse Saga expected to conclude with Avengers: Secret Wars in December 2027, the stage is set for new and exciting storylines. The likes on the Avengers: Doomsday teaser trailer, which garnered over 534,000 likes on X in just one day, are a testament to the anticipation surrounding the MCU’s upcoming releases. For more on this topic, see: Apple Slashes Vision Pro Production .
What’s Next for the MCU: X-Men and Beyond
As the MCU looks to the future, rumors are emerging about potential projects, including a Wolverine project, potentially as a Disney+ Special Presentation or a movie. This is part of a larger plan to revive the X-Men team with a new cast of mutant actors, as Marvel Studios will face the challenge of replacing over half a dozen legacy X-Men stars. With Phase 7 and beyond rumored to include the Wolverine project, other mutant-centric stories, and an X-Men reboot movie directed by Jake Schreier, the possibilities are endless. Hugh Jackman is rumored to reprise his role as James “Logan” Howlett in the new Wolverine movie, following his first MCU appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine. As we count down to the release of Fantastic Four: First Steps, it’s clear that the MCU is on the verge of a new and exciting era.
As Marvel Studios continues to push the boundaries of the MCU, the anticipation for upcoming releases is building. With the success of the Avengers: Doomsday teaser trailer and the excitement surrounding Fantastic Four: First Steps, it’s an exciting time to be a Marvel fan. Stay tuned for more updates on the MCU’s future projects and releases.
MCU’s Phase 6 and Beyond: What’s on the Horizon?
As the MCU continues to evolve, Marvel Studios is already looking ahead to Phase 6 and beyond. With the Multiverse Saga expected to conclude with Avengers: Secret Wars in December 2027, the studio is in the early stages of planning its Phase 6 release slate. This phase will precede the start of Phase 7, which promises to introduce new characters and storylines.
One of the most exciting developments on the horizon is the potential introduction of the X-Men to the MCU. With Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, the rights to the X-Men franchise have returned to Marvel Studios. While there have been rumors of a reboot, nothing has been officially confirmed. However, a recent meeting between Jordan Peele and Marvel Studios has sparked speculation about a potential X-Men film. Peele, known for his work on Get Out and Us, would bring a fresh perspective to the franchise.
| MCU Phase | Release Window | Notable Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 6 | 2025-2027 | Fantastic Four: First Steps, Avengers: Doomsday, Avengers: Secret Wars |
| Phase 7 | 2028-2030 | New X-Men film, Wonder Man Disney+ series, and other upcoming projects |
Exploring New Characters and Storylines
In addition to the X-Men, Marvel Studios is also introducing new characters and storylines to the MCU. One such character is Wonder Man, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. The upcoming Disney+ series follows struggling actor Simon Williams as he competes for the lead role in a remake of a movie about himself. The show promises to blend classic MCU elements with a meta, behind-the-scenes look at fame and stardom.
According to sources, Marvel Studios is looking for creatives with a fresh vision for the MCU’s future. This approach has led to some exciting new projects, including the Wonder Man series. With its unique blend of superhero action and Hollywood satire, Wonder Man is poised to become a standout addition to the MCU.
For more information on the MCU’s future projects, visit the official Marvel Studios website. For more on this topic, see: Star-Studded NYE Bash: Mariah Carey, .
The Future of the MCU: A New Era of Heroes
As the MCU continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the franchise is entering a new era of heroes. With the introduction of new characters like Fantastic Four and Wonder Man, Marvel Studios is paving the way for a fresh generation of superheroes. The connection between Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avengers: Doomsday sets the stage for a massive culmination that will shape the future of the MCU.
To learn more about the MCU’s Multiverse Saga, check out the Marvel Studios on Twitter. For more on this topic, see: 6 Unputdownable New Releases for .