Marvel Studios revealed this Friday at San Diego Comic-Con (USA) the expansion of its cinematic universe with two new stages in the ongoing Phase 5, building toward Phase 6 through a mix of films and TV series and aiming for a full rollout by 2025.
Previously, Phase 4 has showcased titles like She-Hulk and the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever movie, marking a strong two-year run for Marvel. The momentum continues as 2024 brings further milestones, including anticipated entries such as Spider-Man and WandaVision as fan favorites still in circulation.
On February 17, 2023, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania kicked off the latest cycle, signaling a renewed cadence for Marvel Studios’ superhero lineup.
Spring will introduce Secret Invasion, with a trailer featuring Samuel L. Jackson that drew early excitement; the summer calendar will then welcome Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Echo, and the long-awaited The Marvels, expanding the interconnected universe across formats.
At this year’s San Diego Convention Center, the industry’s premier expo, fans anticipated a clearer view of Marvel’s future and the studio’s most profitable franchise trajectory.
Thousands of enthusiasts lined up in the California sun, some arriving in the early hours, hoping for a seat in Hall H where the most consequential previews land for fans worldwide.
“I came from New York and always wanted to experience Comic-Con. Now that my kids are grown, I can enjoy it without worry,” shared a costumed attendee near the entrance, describing the thrill to reporters. The scene underscored the event’s communal energy: fans, stars, and studios converging to witness first looks, hear timelines, and feel the pulse of upcoming releases.
Many fans aim to hear directly from the talent, meet fellow enthusiasts, and be among the first to catch trailers for forthcoming installments. A crowd of more than 100,000 people gathered in San Diego for the moment, a number the organizers affirmed, underscoring Marvel’s broad appeal and the convention’s scale.
Kevin Feige, head of Marvel Studios, appeared on stage to close the day with a roadmap for Phase 4’s completion and Phase 5’s expansive plan. The presentation relied on visual timelines to explain a shifting balance between theatrical releases and streaming series under Disney’s umbrella, reflecting Marvel’s ongoing strategy to merge cinematic storytelling with serialized adventures.
Feige’s remarks were met with enthusiastic applause as he acknowledged the long wait since the last Hall H appearance and promised fans an era of ambitious storytelling. The event also featured large screens that helped map the sequence of titles and how they interconnect, emphasizing Disney’s role in sustaining a broad, weekly conversation around Marvel’s characters and narratives.
The show concluded with a rich lineup of trailers, cast reveals, and timelines. The audience left with a sense that Marvel’s universe is entering a more intricate phase, where new heroes and old favorites coexist across both big screens and small screens.
Six films and six television series
Marvel’s Phase 5 will comprise six feature films and six television series, expanding the universe in both motion picture theaters and streaming platforms.
On the big screen, audiences can anticipate Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3, Wonders, Blade, Captain America: The New World Order, and Thunderbolts. The latter centers on a group of villains attempting to pass as heroes, creating tension and moral ambiguity that fans will watch unfold across installments.
Between releases, viewers can stay engaged with Marvel content on Disney+, where a slate of series continues the storytelling. Viewers will encounter Secret Invasion, Echo, Loki season two, Ironheart, Agatha, and Daredevil: Rebirth, all designed to expand the universe while bridging gaps between films.
Avengers will return with two new films in 2025
The studio also teased Phase 6, signaling a new era for the cinematic saga. The comeback of the Fantastic Four will kick off this phase, marking a fresh entry point for new and longtime fans alike.
Among the most exciting announcements is the return of Avengers, which is planned for 2025 with two new installments, Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars. These titles are positioned as capstones to a sprawling, interconnected universe and are expected to drive substantial box office momentum as the storyline converges across multiple chapters.
As fans digest the roadmap, the industry remains focused on how Marvel will balance theatrical releases with streaming exclusives. The shared narrative threads promise to keep the brand at the forefront of popular culture in North America, with Canada and the United States being pivotal markets for these high-profile releases. The ongoing strategy highlights a commitment to keeping audiences engaged with a robust mix of action, humor, and character-driven moments, while continuing to refine the balance between film and television storytelling that fans have grown to expect.