The Marvel Studios presentation at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 was packed full of announcements and surprises. Here’s everything that was revealed about the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Captain America: Brave New World
New footage from “Captain America: Brave New World” was shown to the Hall H audience. The fourth Captain America film stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, who has taken over the Captain America mantle from Steve Rogers. Mackie is joined by Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross a.k.a. Red Hulk, taking over the role from the late William Hurt. Ross is hoping to rebuild The Avengers with Sam’s help. The film will officially introduce Adamantium, the metal alloy of Wolverine’s claws, to the MCU. Wolverine appears in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” the third “Deadpool” film and the first that’s part of the MCU, in theaters now. The Celestial Tiamut from “Eternals” will be the source of the metal.
It was also confirmed that Giancarlo Esposito will portray villain Seth Voelker, a.k.a. Sidewinder, the King of the Serpent Society. Esposito joined the “Brave New World” cast during last-minute reshoots.
“Captain America: Brave New World” will be in theaters on February 14, 2025.
Thunderbolts
The first “Thunderbolts” footage was shown but has not been released. It showed Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) fighting Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) and John Walker (Wyatt Russell).
The film also stars Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes a.k.a. the Winter Soldier and David Harbour as Alexei a.k.a. the Red Guardian. It hits theaters on May 5, 2025.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The official title for the MCU’s Fantastic Four film was revealed. “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards a.k.a. Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm a.k.a. The Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bacharach as Ben Grimm a.k.a. The Thing, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm a.k.a. The Human Torch. Production officially begins this week, but a sizzle reel of footage was shown, including a first look at Ralph Ineson as Galactus.
The Fantasticar made an appearance, flying over the stage. The film is set in the 1960s with a “retro-futuristic” aesthetic. It’s scheduled to premiere on July 25, 2025.
Avengers: Doomsday
The fifth Avengers film is officially “Avengers: Doomsday.” The flick was originally titled “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty,” but Marvel shifted their plans after Jonathan Majors, who portrayed Kang the Conquerer, was convicted of assault. It was confirmed the Russo brothers are returning to direct “Doomsday” and the sixth film, “Avengers: Secret Wars.”
The biggest shock of the presentation, and perhaps SDCC as a whole, was the reveal of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. The actor took to the stage in costume before removing his mask to reveal his face, leading to uproarious applause.
Downey previously portrayed Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man, but the hero died in “Avengers: Endgame.” Marvel is likely keeping exactly how and why Doom has Stark’s face a secret, but there are connections between the characters in the comics. The “Infamous Iron Man” series sees Victor Von Doom taking on the Iron Man mantle while Tony Stark is missing. “What If? Iron Man Demon in an Armor” sees the characters switch minds. There are likely some alternate universe shenanigans in place, too, since that was the basis of the Kang the Conqueror story.
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” will be the final film released before “Doomsday,” and Marvel confirmed that the superhero family will appear in this and the next “Avengers” film.
Avengers: Secret Wars
Speaking of next, a new logo for “Avengers: Secret Wars” was revealed. Other details about the film remain under wraps.
“Doomsday” will be released in May 2026, followed by “Secret Wars” in May 2027.
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