Despite recent turbulence in Phase Four and Phase Five, Marvel Studios, under Kevin Feige’s leadership, has confirmed three new films slated for 2028. This milestone marks the 20th anniversary of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, this announcement comes after a period of both success and failure for the franchise.
Looking back, Phase Four of the MCU introduced Disney+ shows, beginning with the hit WandaVision, which intrigued fans with its innovative storytelling. Yet, the constant release of content across multiple platforms became overwhelming for casual viewers, which led to a dilution of enthusiasm.
The subsequent Phase Five saw a similarly mixed reception, with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) offering a glimmer of hope for the franchise amidst the box-office underperformance of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and The Marvels—the latter becoming the MCU’s worst performer to date.
In the face of growing criticism and fan disillusionment, the MCU continues to expand. San Diego Comic-Con saw the Russo Brothers return to direct Avengers: Doomsday (formerly Avengers: The Kang Dynasty) and Avengers: Secret Wars, set to release in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The Russos’ return wasn’t the only shock, as it was revealed that Robert Downey Jr. would make a comeback, not as the beloved Tony Stark, but as the iconic villain, Doctor Doom.
Amidst this excitement, Marvel announced that 2028 would see three new films, potentially ushering in or at least expanding Phase Seven. This news arrived alongside the removal of Blade from its 2025 release. According to reports from Deadline, these films will follow a familiar pattern, releasing on February 18, May 5, and November 10, 2028. This schedule mirrors the structure seen in 2023 when Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and The Marvels were released.
While these dates appear to signal the start of a new phase, they may not necessarily mark the first films in Phase Seven. Disney’s 2027 slate already has two open slots set for Marvel Studios, both in July and November, following the highly anticipated Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027.
Traditionally, these release dates might suggest the start of a new chapter. However, Marvel previously proved that it doesn’t always follow this formula. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) served as a postscript to Phase Three, demonstrating that a phase doesn’t always end with a grand Avengers crossover film.
As Marvel pushes forward, the studio has several open release dates to fill, including two for 2026, February 13 and November 6, alongside Avengers: Doomsday on May 1. The July 24, 2026, release date was recently removed due to Disney CEO Bob Iger’s mandate limiting MCU releases to three movies per year and capping Disney+ shows at two annually.
The uncertainty surrounding these upcoming releases has led to speculation about potential films. Blade’s removal from its November 2025 slot opens the possibility of it finding a new home between 2026 and 2028. Additionally, Armor Wars, a once-promising project centered on Don Cheadle’s Iron Man franchise character, may be in jeopardy, with rumors suggesting it could be scrapped altogether.
Other rumored projects for the future include Doctor Strange 3, a Scarlet Witch solo movie, Shang-Chi 2, a Ghost Rider film, and the long-awaited introduction of the X-Men into the MCU.
One project that fans are eagerly awaiting is Spider-Man 4. After the monumental success of Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), speculation about a fourth film in the MCU’s Spider-Man saga has been rampant. Recently, Spider-Man star Tom Holland confirmed that Spider-Man 4 is in the works, with filming expected to begin in 2025.
The 2025 slate includes Captain America: Brave New World (February 14), Thunderbolts* (May 2), and The Fantastic Four: The First Steps (July 25).
While much remains unknown about what Marvel has planned for 2028 and beyond, the possibilities are endless. As the studio continues to face mounting pressures to deliver both critically and financially, the road ahead could either revitalize the MCU or further strain its global dominance. Fans are left to wonder what fresh stories, characters, and surprises Marvel Studios has in store for this pivotal moment in superhero cinema.
What movies do you think will be included in the 2028 lineup?