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Marvel Studios is going all in on its next era of superhero teams, and fans better buckle up—because things are about to get wild.
While Thunderbolts⁎ is still blowing up the box office and sending shockwaves through theatres, the studio is already setting its sights on the future. And it’s a big one. The next team to enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) spotlight? None other than the Fantastic Four, led by Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic.
According to insider Jeff Sneider, Marvel has some pretty huge long-term plans in place for both the Thunderbolts⁎ and the Fantastic Four. These two teams won’t just be one-off appearances—they’re going to become major players in multiple upcoming MCU projects.
Let’s break it down:
If you’re still catching your breath from Thunderbolts⁎, here’s a quick reminder: the team is Marvel’s edgier, more morally grey answer to the Avengers. This lineup includes:
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Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh)
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Bucky Barnes / The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan)
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U.S. Agent / John Walker (Wyatt Russell)
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Red Guardian (David Harbour)
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Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen)
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Sentry / Robert Reynolds (Lewis Pullman, whose performance is reportedly off the charts)
They’ve even been teased as The New Avengers in some marketing efforts. Director Jake Schreier recently hinted at Marvel’s strategy to “pull a switcheroo and sell” this unconventional team as the new face of justice.
Over in the cosmic corner of the MCU, the Fantastic Four are finally stepping into the spotlight. This reboot is one of Marvel’s most anticipated projects. The team:
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Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic – Pedro Pascal
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Sue Storm / The Invisible Woman – Vanessa Kirby
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Johnny Storm / The Human Torch – Joseph Quinn
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Ben Grimm / The Thing – Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Their debut film is expected to reshape the MCU in a big way, especially with connections to multiverse events and beyond.
And it gets better: both the Thunderbolts⁎ and the Fantastic Four have been confirmed for Marvel’s next epic crossover, Avengers: Doomsday.
This high-stakes film will pit the heroes against Doctor Doom, one of the most powerful and feared villains in Marvel history. And here’s the twist that left everyone speechless at 2024’s San Diego Comic-Con:
Robert Downey Jr. is back. But not as Iron Man.
He’s returning in a jaw-dropping role reversal—as Victor Von Doom himself. Yes, RDJ will now be playing the MCU’s next major villain, setting up a clash with both his former Avengers co-stars and the newcomers trying to defend Earth.
With this mix of old legends, rising anti-heroes, and new faces, Marvel’s next phase looks explosive, unpredictable, and absolutely thrilling.