Despite enduring a challenging period during Phases Four and Five, Kevin Feige’s Marvel Studios is poised to make a grand return with three new releases scheduled for 2028, marking the 20th anniversary of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The studio has faced its share of obstacles, but as always, they are forging ahead, continuously expanding the MCU’s storytelling. The forthcoming slate hints at the continuation of a fresh chapter, potentially marking the start of Phase Seven.
In recent memory, Phase Four introduced an overwhelming amount of content, particularly with the debut of Disney+ shows. The Phase opened with the groundbreaking series WandaVision, which captured the imagination of long-time fans with its unique format.
However, the rapid succession of shows and films that followed left many casual fans feeling swamped. As a result, the franchise’s grip on pop culture began to loosen. Moving into Phase Five, Marvel found success with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023), which was one of the few highlights amidst box-office flops like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and The Marvels, the latter of which became the MCU’s worst performer at the box office.
In spite of these setbacks, the MCU is not going down without a fight. During this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, the return of Anthony and Joe Russo was announced, with the brothers confirmed to direct Avengers: Doomsday (formerly known as Avengers: The Kang Dynasty) in 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. In a twist that has Marvel fans buzzing, Robert Downey Jr. will make his MCU return as the iconic villain Doctor Doom, leaving behind his legacy as Tony Stark.
In a recent announcement via Deadline, Marvel confirmed three new films for 2028, with release dates set for February 18, May 5, and November 10. These releases align with the typical structure the MCU has followed in past years, most recently in 2023 with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and The Marvels hitting theaters at similar intervals. These upcoming films will likely be a part of Phase Seven, though it’s possible the first movies of the phase will arrive earlier in 2027, given Disney’s open July and November slots that year.
Interestingly, Marvel has a history of keeping fans on their toes with unconventional Phase endings. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) was an unexpected follow-up to the climactic Avengers: Endgame, proving that a huge crossover Avengers film doesn’t necessarily mark the close of a phase. As a result, while Secret Wars is expected to be a major event in 2027, it might not serve as the definitive end of Phase Six.
Looking ahead, 2026 will see several new MCU films, including Avengers: Doomsday, on May 1. February 13 and November 6 are also slated for additional, yet-to-be-announced releases. Bob Iger, Disney’s CEO, has instituted a new policy limiting the MCU’s output to three movies per year and a maximum of two Disney+ shows, a decision aimed at preventing the franchise from becoming oversaturated. This reflects the removal of a previously planned July 24, 2026, slot from the calendar.
So, what movies could be filling these 2028 dates? One possibility is the much-anticipated Blade reboot, starring Mahershala Ali, which was pulled from its original 2025 release. Should it survive its troubled production, Blade could be slated for one of the open November slots between 2026 and 2028. Another possibility is Armor Wars, the Don Cheadle-led Iron Man franchise spinoff, which has been surrounded by uncertainty as recent reports hint that it may be canceled.
There are other potential films that have been rumored to fill Marvel’s upcoming calendar, including Doctor Strange 3, a solo Scarlet Witch film, Shang-Chi 2, and even a Ghost Rider movie. The most significant speculation, however, surrounds the introduction of the X-Men into the MCU. Fans have long awaited the moment when Marvel’s mutant heroes would finally make their debut in the franchise.
Of course, the most hotly anticipated sequel is Spider-Man 4. Since the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), rumors of a fourth film in the MCU’s Spider-Man series have circulated non-stop. Tom Holland, who plays Peter Parker, recently confirmed that Spider-Man 4 is officially in the works, with filming set to begin in 2025.
2025 also includes the release of Captain America: Brave New World (February 14), Thunderbolts* (May 2), and The Fantastic Four: The First Steps (July 25), the latter of which will introduce a new cast of Marvel’s First Family.
With so many moving parts and a packed schedule, it’s clear that the MCU is preparing for another blockbuster year in 2028. Though many details remain unclear, the direction Marvel is heading suggests exciting times ahead for fans. The potential arrival of the X-Men, along with long-awaited sequels and new stories, could reinvigorate a franchise that has seen its share of stumbles in recent years.
What films do you think will take the spotlight in 2028? Let us know in the comments below!