Marvel Studios is mapping out its cinematic future beyond the monumental events of Avengers: Secret Wars, currently slated for December 2027. At San Diego Comic-Con, the studio provided a glimpse into its plans for Phase 7 and beyond, revealing a slate that includes the long-awaited introduction of the X-Men, the supernatural Ghost Rider, and the continuation of the Black Panther saga.
Marvel has strategically secured several key release dates in the coming years. The studio has four untitled movies scheduled for 2028 and 2029: May 5, 2028; July 28, 2028; May 4, 2029; and July 13, 2029. While these dates are subject to change, they offer a framework for the MCU's post-Secret Wars narrative.
Laying the Groundwork with 'Secret Wars'
Avengers: Secret Wars is positioned as a critical turning point, drawing inspiration from beloved comic storylines that involve a multiverse-spanning conflict and a potential reset of the Marvel continuity. This event is expected to pave the way for a new era of storytelling, introducing both familiar and fresh characters as the MCU rebuilds its reality. The narrative possibilities of a fractured and reassembled multiverse suggest a clean slate for new sagas.
Introducing New Eras: X-Men and Ghost Rider
The May 5, 2028 release date is widely anticipated to be an X-Men film. Following the integration of mutant storylines in recent projects like Ms. Marvel and the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine, the conclusion of Secret Wars presents an opportune moment to launch a new X-Men team. This would signify a definitive shift into a new phase for the MCU, with mutants potentially taking center stage.
Following the X-Men's debut, the July 28, 2028 date is earmarked for the Ryan Gosling-starring Ghost Rider. This project is set to delve deeper into the MCU's supernatural corner, building on foundations laid by series like Moon Knight and Werewolf by Night. Gosling's reported involvement and specific vision for the character suggest a significant focus on Johnny Blaze's return to the big screen.
Continuing Established Sagas: Black Panther 3
Black Panther 3 is slated for December 15, 2028, maintaining Marvel's tradition of releasing major Wakandan stories during the holiday season. Director Ryan Coogler is returning to helm the sequel, which is expected to focus on a young Prince T'Challa II, played by David Jonsson, as he navigates his path to the throne. With Denzel Washington reportedly cast as an antagonist, the film promises to explore Wakanda's evolving role as a global power in the post-Secret Wars landscape.
Looking Towards 2029 and Beyond
As Marvel looks towards 2029, Shang-Chi 2 is a strong candidate for the May 4 release date, nearly eight years after the original film. Director Destin Daniel Cretton and star Simu Liu have indicated the sequel is in active development, and Shang-Chi's potential role in the upcoming Avengers films suggests his continued importance in the MCU. The July 13, 2029 date could potentially be a Fantastic Four sequel, following the anticipated 2025 film, that could balance terrestrial heroes with cosmic threats.
Other potential projects that could fill the remaining slots or appear in later phases include a new Deadpool spinoff, an X-Force film, or solo outings for characters like Blade or Thor. Doctor Strange 3 is also rumored to be in early development, which could tie into a larger supernatural narrative, perhaps even a Midnight Sons team-up movie featuring Ghost Rider and other darker heroes. A Nova film has also been officially announced, offering a potential avenue to rebuild the MCU's cosmic mythology.
This evolving slate suggests Marvel Studios is focusing on strengthening its core franchises and introducing new heroes while exploring both grounded and fantastical elements. The strategy appears to be less about constant expansion and more about allowing established and emerging characters to define the next chapter of the MCU.