Upcoming Marvel: All You Need to Know About New MCU Releases

Marvel Phase 6: Every Upcoming Marvel Movie and Show

Marvel Phase 6 is already proving to be a busy chapter for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps in UK cinemas, fans are now looking ahead to an array of new movies and shows. From spin-offs to major superhero sagas, there's a lot to keep track of. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what’s coming next.

Key Releases in Phase 6

• July 25, 2025: Fantastic Four: First Steps
  The first movie of Phase 6, this film introduces the iconic superhero team to the MCU. It features Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. The story revolves around the threat of Galactus and his Herald, the Silver Surfer.

• August 6, 2025: Eyes of Wakanda
  An animated series exploring the history of Wakanda and its warriors. This project promises to delve into the rich lore of the African nation and its legendary heroes.

• October 3, 2025: Marvel Zombies
  A spin-off of What If...?, this series will explore a world where the MCU characters have turned into zombies. Characters like Ghost, Abomination, and Captain Marvel will appear, with a TV-MA rating indicating more mature content.

• December 2025: Wonder Man
  Starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as the titular character, this series will explore the history of Wonder Man, a character who has had a complex relationship with the Avengers.

• July 24, 2026: Spider-Man 4 (now titled Spider-Man: Brand New Day)
  Tom Holland returns as Spider-Man in this fourth installment, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Production began in summer 2025, and it is expected to feature Sadie Sink in a mysterious role.

• December 18, 2026: Avengers: Doomsday
  Directed by the Russo brothers, this film marks the return of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. It was previously titled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty but has been rebranded due to changes in the cast and storyline.

• December 17, 2027: Avengers: Secret Wars
  One of the most anticipated films in the MCU, Secret Wars is set to bring together multiple universes. The film will likely draw from the comic book storylines that involve the Beyonder and incursions.

• February 18, 2028, May 5, 2028, November 10, 2028: Untitled Movies
  These three upcoming projects remain shrouded in mystery, though speculation suggests they could include major franchises like X-Men or Blade.

Other Notable Projects

• Daredevil: Born Again Season 2
  Filming for the second season began in March 2025, with a potential release in 2026. The show is well-developed and has not been canceled, offering hope for fans.

• Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Season 2
  Already renewed for a third season, production is underway, with scripts completed and animatics in progress. A release in early 2026 is expected.

• Armor Wars
  Originally a Disney Plus series, this project has been reimagined as a movie. It follows War Machine as he deals with Tony Stark’s technology falling into the wrong hands.

• Black Panther 3
  Denzel Washington will star in this sequel, with Ryan Coogler developing the story. The film is expected to continue the legacy of Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa.

• Blade
  Despite initial delays and casting issues, Mahershala Ali has been confirmed to play the title character. However, the project remains uncertain, with no official release date yet.

• Shang-Chi 2
  Following the success of the first film, a sequel is in development. Destin Daniel Cretton is involved, and a Ten Rings series may also be in the works.

• Wakanda Spin-off
  While the Okoye spin-off has been delayed, Ryan Coogler is still working on a new series set in Wakanda, focusing on stories from the region.

• Nova
  This project aims to introduce the character Nova to the MCU, featuring a planet known from the Guardians of the Galaxy universe.

• Star-Lord Movie/TV Show
  Chris Pratt has hinted at a potential return as Star-Lord, though only if the project is special enough to warrant his involvement without James Gunn.

• Vision
  Paul Bettany will return as Vision in a Disney Plus series, helmed by Terry Matalas. Development has already begun, with casting updates expected soon.

• X-Men Movie
  Although details are scarce, work has started on an upcoming X-Men film. Michael Lesslie is in discussions to write the script, with a fresh cast expected.

Conclusion

With so many projects in the pipeline, the future of the MCU looks incredibly exciting. Whether you're a fan of the big-screen blockbusters or the smaller, more character-driven series, there's something for everyone. As more details emerge, fans can look forward to a thrilling era of Marvel storytelling.

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The Fantastic Four: First Steps – Kotaku's Take

A New Beginning for the Fantastic Four

The film The Fantastic Four: First Steps is deeply rooted in the concept of time. From the very first scene, the audience is plunged into a moment that feels like it’s happening in the middle of a larger story. Dr. Reed Richards, known as Mr. Fantastic, is searching through his 1960s-style bathroom cabinets for iodine. He calls out to his wife, Sue Storm, asking where it is. She responds that she needs twelve seconds. Reed finds this specific request unusual, and it marks the beginning of a recurring theme throughout the movie—time, measured in precise increments.

This moment sets the tone for the film, which centers on a major life change for the team. After two years of trying to have children, one of the members of the Fantastic Four is expecting a child. This means that Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, and Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, will become uncles. It's an exciting time for the family, but also a critical turning point for the characters and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

A Shift in the MCU Landscape

First Steps arrives at a pivotal moment for the MCU, which has been undergoing a creative reevaluation since the end of the Avengers saga. The pressure on the Fantastic Four is immense—they are tasked with reviving the MCU from its recent struggles, especially after the multiverse storyline lost some of its initial momentum. The competition has also made a strong entrance with their own cinematic universe, adding more weight to the expectations placed on this new film.

Despite these high stakes, the movie manages to feel light and engaging. As the fourth reboot of Marvel’s original superhero team and the first from Marvel Studios, it is directed by Matt Shakman, who previously worked on WandaVision. The script was written by a team of four writers, including Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer. The result is a fun and well-crafted return to form for the MCU, featuring impressive visuals and standout performances.

Origins and Cosmic Conflict

After the revelation that Sue and Reed are pregnant, the film moves into a clever and breezy exposition that explores the origins of the team through a magazine program reminiscent of Ed Sullivan. Viewers see how the team came to be astronauts and how they were exposed to cosmic radiation, granting them their superpowers. This quick prologue sets up the central conflict of the film.

The alien harbinger, the Silver Surfer, appears in Times Square to announce that Earth is marked for destruction by Galactus, a world-eater. In a desperate attempt to save their planet, the Fantastic Four travel into space to convince Galactus otherwise. However, they soon learn that he wants Sue and Reed’s unborn child. If they refuse, he will destroy the Earth. Time becomes a central element in the race to find a solution that saves both the planet and the child.

Character Development and Emotional Depth

As the second act unfolds, the film showcases the strengths of each character. Sue, as the Invisible Woman, draws strength from her deep familial love, while Reed, Mr. Fantastic, tries to solve the problem, even if it means considering the worst options. Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby deliver mature and emotionally rich performances that stand out in the MCU. Their relationship remains strong, even during heated arguments, providing a solid foundation for the story.

Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm play secondary roles but are not overshadowed. Moss-Bachrach’s portrayal of The Thing brings moments of melancholy and self-reflection, yet he remains the heart of the family. Johnny, meanwhile, proves he is more than just a flirt, showing passion and capability that match his superfamily.

Visuals and Cosmic Scale

One of the most striking aspects of First Steps is its retro-future aesthetic, inspired by the 1960s. The film is filled with vibrant colors, particularly a blue hue that gives it a unique look compared to other MCU projects. Director Matt Shakman’s visual style creates awe-inspiring moments, such as when the family first sees Galactus. These scenes are among the most memorable in Marvel’s history.

Michael Giacchino’s score enhances the cosmic scale of the film, making it feel grand and epic. The film captures the spirit of Jack Kirby and Stan Lee’s original comic book vision, bringing a sense of wonder and spectacle to the screen.

A Few Hiccups in the Third Act

While the film excels in many areas, it does face some challenges in the third act. The plot can feel predictable, and the conclusion is somewhat rushed. The villains, particularly the Silver Surfer, are underdeveloped compared to the main characters. The short runtime also leads to some events being handled too quickly, leaving moments that could have benefited from more attention.

A Thrilling Experience

Despite these minor issues, First Steps is an entertaining and thrilling experience. It manages to balance action, emotion, and humor while delivering a fresh take on the Fantastic Four. The film leaves viewers feeling excited about what the future holds for the MCU. Whether it’s the seconds that Reed needs to save the world or the years that will pass as their child grows, time is always a factor—but in this case, it’s used effectively to create a compelling and memorable story.

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Margot Robbie and Tim Burton Bring 'Attack of the 50 Foot Woman' Back

A New Take on a Cult Classic

Margot Robbie is set to take on the lead role in a brand new version of Attack of the 50 Foot Woman, with Tim Burton at the helm as director. This project has been quietly gaining momentum, and it’s clear that Warner Bros. is investing heavily in its development. Robbie will not only star in the film but also serve as a producer through her production company, LuckyChap. Her involvement signals a significant shift for the studio, which is eager to work with her following the success of Barbie.

The original Attack of the 50 Foot Woman was a sci-fi B-movie released in 1958. It featured Allison Hayes in the iconic role of Nancy Archer, a wealthy woman who returns from an alien encounter transformed into a giant. The film became a cult classic due to its wild premise and over-the-top special effects. It told the story of Nancy, who grows to enormous size after her UFO encounter and uses her newfound strength to take revenge on her unfaithful husband and others who wronged her. Its campy style and old-school effects earned it a lasting place in pop culture history, inspiring parodies, homages, and even a 1993 TV remake starring Daryl Hannah.

Tim Burton, known for his dark and quirky filmmaking style, seems like a natural fit for this project. His recent work includes films such as Dumbo and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, as well as the Netflix series Wednesday. This new venture represents a fresh direction for him, blending his signature aesthetic with a classic sci-fi tale.

The idea of remaking Attack of the 50 Foot Woman was first announced back in February 2024. At that time, Gillian Flynn, best known for writing Gone Girl, was attached to write the screenplay. Her first draft laid the foundation for the story, but she has since stepped away due to other commitments. Warner Bros. is now seeking a new writer to continue the work she started.

Robbie’s involvement in the project is not entirely unexpected. Following the massive success of Barbie, where she starred and produced through LuckyChap, Warner Bros. is eager to collaborate with her again. Her dual role as both actor and producer makes her an ideal fit for this unusual sci-fi project.

According to sources, Robbie will play the main character, taking over from Allison Hayes’ original portrayal. The story will still follow a woman who grows into a towering figure after an alien encounter, turning her into a literal force of nature. While the specifics of the plot remain under wraps, it’s clear that the film will explore themes of power, transformation, and personal retribution.

Burton had recently hinted at working on an animated movie, but it appears that this live-action project may take precedence. If the script comes together successfully, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman could become one of his most unique studio films in years.

For now, there is no official release date, but with Margot Robbie on board and Tim Burton directing, the project is gaining momentum. Fans of both the original film and the directors involved are eagerly anticipating what this new version will bring to the table.

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