Marvel Studios is looking ahead to an ambitious future, even after experiencing some setbacks in 2023 with films like “Thunderbolts” and “Captain America: Brave New World.” During a recent press event at Marvel’s headquarters, producer and president Kevin Feige teased a comprehensive seven-year plan that stretches to 2032.
Feige’s enthusiasm is palpable as he reveals that the inclusion of the Fantastic Four, a key team within Marvel’s history, is a crucial part of this plan following their return to Disney through the Fox merger. This new adaptation, titled “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” is poised to be a significant box office success, with estimates of a $100 million to $110 million opening in the U.S.
Previous iterations of the Fantastic Four received mixed receptions, most notably the poorly received 2015 reboot. However, Feige emphasizes that this time will be different, highlighting that “Fantastic Four” characters deserve their place as A-listers within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This film aims to launch Phase Six and is intended to be a standalone experience, free from connections to past Marvel narratives.
Additionally, with the acquisition of Fox’s Marvel characters, Feige is now able to introduce Dr. Doom as a prominent antagonist in upcoming Avengers films, a role he deems essential following terminations in previous plans due to controversies surrounding another character.
Feige is also optimistic about the development of “Blade,” which, despite being pulled from the calendar, remains in active development with actor Mahershala Ali. The team, prioritizing a strong narrative, decided against rushing production with subpar scripts.
Looking ahead, Marvel plans to produce fewer films with a greater focus on quality, likely producing one to three films each year with less interconnected storylines. This pivot comes after disappointing box office results for “The Marvels,” which highlighted the pitfalls of forcing connections between diverse characters.
Feige’s strategy includes the potential for characters like Jon Bernthal’s Punisher to appear across various projects while considering the future of iconic roles such as Iron Man and Captain America. While some classic characters may eventually see new portrayals, Feige assures that beloved actors still have ample opportunities to reprise their roles.
The Marvel schedule is set with several key upcoming releases:
– “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” (Sony) – July 31, 2026
– “Avengers: Doomsday” – December 18, 2026
– Additional untitled Marvel films set for release through 2028
Feige remains committed to storytelling within the MCU and expresses a desire to continue making significant films for audiences for many years to come. This outlook for Marvel Studios fosters hope for fans eager to see well-crafted superhero narratives delivered in the coming years.