Marvel Studios has developed a comprehensive movie roadmap extending to the year 2042, according to studio president Kevin Feige. Speaking with Chinese outlet Watching Hollywood, Feige outlined plans for a more unified and accessible Marvel Cinematic Universe following the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga with Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. He indicated that this pivotal film would serve as both an endpoint for existing storylines, including those related to original X-Men characters, and a new beginning for the franchise.
Feige described the post-Secret Wars era as an effort to "establish a streamlined, simplified, single universe that audiences can keep up with." This new direction aims to attract a "new generation of audiences" while building upon the existing universe. The X-Men are slated to play a central role in this next phase, which Feige revealed will be known as the Mutant Saga.
"Fundamentally, the X-Men will be at its core," Feige stated, emphasizing that the acquisition of the X-Men rights opens up a vast universe of storytelling possibilities beyond individual characters like Wolverine. He noted that Marvel is meticulously planning the Mutant Saga, acknowledging the legacy of previous X-Men films while aiming for a grander narrative.
Marvel Studios is actively planning projects stretching well into the future, with Feige confirming that movie plans have been discussed "all the way up to 2042." While acknowledging that these plans are fluid and subject to change, he stressed the importance of having such guidance for purposeful storytelling. The studio is preparing for a significant presence at San Diego Comic-Con, where fans anticipate further details on upcoming projects.
Beyond the X-Men, Marvel is also looking to the future of Spider-Man. Feige confirmed that plans are in place for a live-action Miles Morales appearance. He referenced a line from Spider-Man: No Way Home as a hint towards this character's eventual introduction and noted ongoing discussions with Sony regarding future Spider-Man adventures. While the Spider-Verse animated series continues, Feige indicated a strong possibility of Miles Morales joining the live-action MCU after the animated series concludes.
While specific titles beyond Avengers: Secret Wars remain largely unannounced, Marvel has acknowledged that an X-Men reboot and Black Panther 3 are in development. Other potential projects mentioned include a film adaptation of Nova and a sequel to Shang-Chi.
Feige also touched upon the potential for sequels to films like Doctor Strange and Thor, as well as a possible new iteration of Fantastic Four. The return of characters like Wanda Maximoff is also considered inevitable by many observers. The focus on characters like Miles Morales underscores Marvel's strategy of introducing new iterations of iconic heroes and expanding its narrative scope for years to come.