Marvel has faced challenges in the 2020s, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a change in Disney's CEO. However, after Bob Iger's return, the company has begun to restructure and adjust its film release schedule and strategy.
Only 'Deadpool 3' is scheduled for release in 2024, while 2025 will see the release of a variety of films including 'Captain America: Brave New World', 'Fantastic Four', 'Thunderbolt', and 'Blade'.
Especially 'Fantastic Four' aims for success after past movie failures, and 'Thunderbolt' is garnering attention as a Marvel version of 'Suicide Squad' featuring villains and anti-heroes.
Marvel faced two major setbacks in the 2020s. One was the COVID-19 pandemic, a global health crisis. The other was a change in Disney's CEO. Bob Chapek, who succeeded Bob Iger, the architect of Disney's golden age, was unfamiliar with the film industry. He instructed Marvel Studios and other Disney film production companies to announce the production of films and TV series that were not yet fully prepared.**
This was intended to reassure investors during the COVID-19 pandemic and secure TV series for streaming on Disney+. As a result, many of Marvel's projects released in 2023 received negative reviews. Marvel staff have even revealed that they were forced to rush projects, essentially filling in the blanks of films and TV series with titles but no concrete plans or storylines.
Apparently, the Disney board recognized this issue. In November 2022, they dismissed Bob Chapek and brought back Bob Iger. Following Iger's return, Marvel has significantly adjusted its release schedule and revised its strategy. Going forward, Disney+ Marvel series, including 'Echo,' will be set in the same universe as the films but will essentially tell separate stories. Additionally, emphasizing quality over quantity, Marvel will release only one film in 2024. After 2021, Marvel had to adhere to the schedule set by CEO Bob Chapek, resulting in films with unfinished special effects being released in theaters. Marvel plans to postpone the release of films originally scheduled for 2024 by up to a year to refine their visual elements.**
Deadpool 3 set photos
Deadpool 3 (Deadpool3, 2024)
Deadpool, whose rights were previously sold to 20th Century Fox, has returned to Marvel. Instead of a reboot like Spider-Man, the existing Deadpool portrayed by Ryan Reynolds will invade the Marvel Universe. Reportedly, Deadpool will travel through the multiverse and encounter Hugh Jackman's 'Wolverine'.**
This film is the only Marvel movie slated for release in 2024. Marvel staff are reportedly focusing on making this film a success, and it's considered a highly ambitious project. Specifically, they suggest that it will deliver on the expectations many had for 2022's 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness'.
Captain America 4 set photo shared by actor Anthony Mackie on Instagram.
Captain America: Brave New World (Captain America: Brave New World, 2025)
Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, returns to theaters as the new Captain America. He inherited the shield from an aged Steve Rogers in 2019's 'Avengers: Endgame.' This film will showcase his full-fledged role as Captain America. Harrison Ford, famous for his roles in Star Wars and Blade Runner, will appear as the villain, 'Thunderbolt Ross'.**
Originally scheduled for a 2024 release, Marvel has postponed this film to 2025 due to concerns about a lack of action sequences. Considering Captain America's consistently significant role in the Marvel Universe, it seems that Marvel is investing considerable effort into this film. There are also rumors that Letitia Wright's Black Panther will appear.
Reed Richards from Doctor Strange 2, played by John Krasinski
Fantastic Four (Fantastic Four, 2025)
First introduced in 1961, the 'Fantastic Four' predates the Avengers as a superhero team, and it was a key element of Marvel Comics' heyday in the 1960s. The comic book reflects the 1960s era, as it features a premise where astronauts exposed to radiation become superheroes. In the 21st century, it remains a popular comic book, known for its family-oriented and science fiction themes.
However, every film adaptation of the Fantastic Four has been a commercial disaster. The 2015 'Fantastic Four' is widely considered the biggest flop among superhero films released in the 2010s. Therefore, Marvel is under immense pressure to ensure the success of this franchise, which is considered one of their flagship properties. It's also known to be a project that Marvel is paying close attention to.
Initially, it was anticipated that John Krasinski, who played 'Reed Richards' in 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' (2022), would reprise the role. However, Marvel has stated that Krasinski's appearance was a one-off and that they will be casting a new Reed Richards.
Marvel's 'Thunderbolt' concept art
Thunderbolt (Thunderbolt, 2025)
In 2016, DC, Marvel's competitor, released 'Suicide Squad,' a film featuring villains on a suicide mission. It received poor reviews but was a box office success due to its impressive cast and marketing. In 2025, Marvel's version of Suicide Squad will be released.
'Thunderbolt' will feature villains or anti-heroes (individuals who, despite not intending to be heroes, end up acting heroically) from previous Marvel films joining forces to confront a new threat. The most familiar member of this team is 'Winter Soldier' (Sebastian Stan). Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and Red Guardian (David Harbour) from 'Black Widow,' as well as Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), will also appear. 'US Agent' (Wyatt Russell) from the Disney+ series will also join the team.
Blade (Blade, 2025)
Marvel's vampire film 'Blade' will be released in 2025. Blade, who is half-vampire and half-human, possesses the advantages of both. As a result, he has superior physical abilities and is not vulnerable to sunlight. Mahershala Ali will portray Blade. He previously played Cottonmouth in the Netflix original Marvel series 'Luke Cage'. This film marks Mahershala Ali's portrayal of two characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.**