Inside The MCU’s Phase 5: What Fans Can Expect From The Upcoming Marvel Releases
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to evolve, bringing beloved characters as well as new faces to the forefront in its highly anticipated phases — phase 5 promises to be a thrilling ride, packed with exciting movies and TV shows.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige first introduced the concept of phases to the MCU, and the tradition has continued to shape the cinematic landscape. At Comic-Con International San Diego 2022 Marvel Studios revealed their plans for phase four, five and six.
While the MCU didn’t end with Avengers: Endgame, it did take a brief hiatus before launching into phase four.
Here’s a brief rundown of every Marvel phase-5 movie and TV series set to be released.
Deadpool & Wolverine
Release date: 26th July 2024
Director: Shawn Levy, known for his work on Stranger Things and Free Guy
Cast: Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine
Ryan Reynolds returns as Deadpool in the third instalment of the franchise, marking its official connection to the MCU. Hugh Jackman joins him, reprising his role as Wolverine after seventeen years.
Deadpool’s last adventure saw him dealing with time travel, while Wolverine’s story ended tragically in Logan, where he sacrificed himself for the next generation of mutants. In this new instalment, Deadpool and Wolverine are forced to team up when a time-travelling villain threatens the multiverse.
Agatha All Along
Release date: 18th September 2024
Director: Jac Schaeffer, who worked on WandaVision
Cast: Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness
Agatha Harkness, portrayed by Kathryn Hahn, was introduced in the WandaVision series as a powerful witch who tried to harness Wanda Maximoff’s powers but ultimately faced defeat. Trapped in the role of a suburban normie by Wanda at the end of the series, Agatha is now back in her own spin-off on Disney+, determined to reclaim her powers and settle old scores. The new series will follow Agatha as she regains her witch powers and works to restore her coven.
Captain America: Brave New World
Release date: 14th February 2025
Director: Julius Onah, who co-produced and co-wrote Luce
Cast: Anthony Mackie as Captain America
Captain America: Brave New World marks Anthony Mackie’s debut as the MCU’s Captain America. After assuming the shield left by Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers in the Disney+ show The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam Wilson accepted the mantle of Captain America, navigating the complexities of his new role. In this new movie, Sam faces new threats and challenges as Captain America. The film will explore themes of identity, leadership, and what it means to be a hero in a rapidly changing world.
Daredevil: Born Again
Release date: March 2025
Director: Michael Cuesta, known for his work on Homeland
Cast: Charlie Cox as Daredevil, Vincent D’Onofrio as Kingpin
After a series of cameos in Spider-Man: No Way Home, She-Hulk, and Echo, Charlie Cox returns in a solo project with the Daredevil series on Disney+. Consisting of eighteen episodes, Daredevil: Born Again will see him grappling with new adversaries and old enemies as he tries to protect Hell’s Kitchen. Following his journey in the Netflix series, where he battled crime, faced personal demons, and dealt with his complex relationship with Kingpin.
Thunderbolts*
Release date: 2nd May 2025
Director: Jake Schreier, known for his work on Robot & Frank and Paper Towns
Cast: Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, David Harbour as the Red Guardian
In the comics, the Thunderbolts are portrayed as a team of anti-heroes and reformed villains. The MCU has hinted at their formation, assembling this unique group to tackle threats that the Avengers can’t handle.
Each member brings their own set of skills and questionable morals leading to missions that are both explosive and unpredictable. Characters such as Yelena Belova, U.S. Agent, and others will feature prominently, promising to introduce a fresh dynamic to the MCU. This team of misfits and outcasts is set to challenge traditional notions of heroism.
The Fantastic 4: First Steps
Release date: 25th July 2025
Director: Matt Shakman, known for his work on Cut Bank
Cast: Pedro Pascal as Reed/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing
Another remake of the iconic superhero team is on the horizon, signalling the start of Phase 6 in the MCU. This reboot will delve into the origins of Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, offering insights into their transformation into the Fantastic Four and their initial confrontation with the formidable Doctor Doom.
Expect a fresh take on their journey, blending elements of science fiction and superhero adventure to reimagine these beloved characters for a new generation of fans.
Blade
Release date: 7th November 2025
Director: Bassam Tariq, known for Mogul Mowgli and Ghosts of Sugar Land
Cast: Mahershala Ali as Blade
Blade’s earlier films, featuring Wesley Snipes, established his reputation as a relentless vampire hunter driven by personal vendettas. In the MCU’s upcoming reboot, Blade will be reintroduced, combining elements of horror and action as he confronts vampires and other supernatural adversaries. This new remake promises to delve deeper into Blade’s complex character while exploring darker themes and expanding the supernatural lore within the MCU.
Ironheart
Release date: 3rd September 2025
Director: Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes
Cast: Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams/Ironheart
Riri Williams first made her debut in the MCU in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where she showcased her ability to reverse-engineer her own version of Tony Stark’s Iron Man suit.
In the upcoming Disney+ series, Williams takes the spotlight as a genius inventor who constructs the most advanced suit of armour since Iron Man, showcasing her incredible intellect. The series will delve into William’s background, her motivations, and the challenges she faces as she strives to prove herself worthy of the Ironheart name.
Avengers: Doomsday
Release date: May 1st 2026
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton, who also directed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Cast: Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom
Originally titled The Kang Dynasty, this film marks the fifth Avengers instalment in the MCU, spotlighting Kang, the time-travelling villain first introduced in the Disney+ series Loki. With casting details pending due to Marvel parting ways with Jonathan Majors after his scandal, anticipation is high for the new direction. Exciting news from San Diego Comic-Con 2024 revealed that Robert Downey Jr. will return, not as Iron Man, but as Doctor Doom, adding a surprising twist to the upcoming Avengers film.
Marvel’s Phase 5 promises to redefine the superhero genre, blending nostalgia with innovative storytelling. Featuring a stellar line-up of beloved characters and stories, fans are in for a cinematic treat.
Story first published on Trillmag.
