While not listed in the initial query, Captain America: Brave New World is a cornerstone of Marvel’s 2025 lineup and deserves mention for its significance in Phase 5. This fourth installment in the Captain America franchise marks a historic shift, with Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) stepping into the starring role as the new Captain America, following Steve Rogers’ retirement in Avengers: Endgame. Directed by Julius Onah, the film sees Sam navigating a complex global conspiracy while clashing with Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, now portrayed by Harrison Ford (replacing the late William Hurt).
The plot involves an international incident that tests Sam’s leadership and introduces new characters, including Giancarlo Esposito as a mysterious villain and Rosa Salazar in a supporting role. Rumors suggest Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk may appear, adding to the film’s star power. Despite a troubled production with multiple reshoots, Brave New World is expected to set the stage for Avengers: Doomsday by exploring Sam’s efforts to rebuild the Avengers. The trailers have sparked mixed reactions due to their visual style, but the film’s focus on grounded geopolitics and Sam’s journey as a non-superpowered hero promises a fresh take on the MCU’s flagship franchise.
2. Thunderbolts* (May 2, 2025)
Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts* is one of the most anticipated films of 2025, offering a gritty, antihero-driven story that breaks from the MCU’s traditional formula. Directed by Jake Schreier (Robot & Frank), the film assembles a rogue’s gallery of morally ambiguous characters: Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), and newcomer Bob Reynolds/Sentry (Lewis Pullman). Julia Louis-Dreyfus stars as the scheming Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, who traps the team in a deadly mission that forces them to confront their dark pasts.
The film, originally slated for July 2025 but moved up to May, is the final entry in Phase 5 and rebrands its team as “The New Avengers” by the end, as revealed in its end-credits scene. The Thunderbolts* poster, featuring the cast crowded in a chaotic frame, marks a departure from the MCU’s standard promotional style, emphasizing the team’s dysfunctional dynamic. Critics have praised Florence Pugh’s commanding performance, with the film blending high-octane action, emotional depth, and a surprising plot twist that has shocked even the cast. Filmed in Atlanta, Utah, and Kuala Lumpur, with a score by Son Lux, Thunderbolts* promises to be a refreshing, character-driven addition to the MCU.
3. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 25, 2025)
Kicking off Phase 6, The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family to the MCU in a retro-futuristic 1960s setting. Directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision), the film stars Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. The team faces their greatest challenge yet: Galactus (Ralph Ineson), a cosmic entity intent on devouring Earth, and his herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).
The film’s sizzle reel at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 showcased its vibrant aesthetic and family-centric narrative, positioning it as a cornerstone of the Multiverse Saga. With additional cast members like John Malkovich and Natasha Lyonne in mystery roles, First Steps is expected to explore the Fantastic Four’s origins while setting up the looming threat of Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.), who will headline Avengers: Doomsday in 2026. After years of anticipation following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, this reboot aims to redeem the Fantastic Four’s cinematic legacy with a bold, emotionally resonant story.
4. Blade (Release Date Uncertain, Possibly November 7, 2025)
Blade, starring Mahershala Ali as the iconic vampire hunter, has been mired in development hell, casting doubt on its 2025 release. Originally announced in 2019 with a November 2023 target, the film has faced multiple delays due to script issues, director changes (Bassam Tariq and Yann Demange both departed), and Ali’s reported dissatisfaction. As of October 2024, Marvel removed Blade from its November 7, 2025, slot, replacing it with Predator: Badlands, leaving its release date TBD.
Despite these setbacks, Marvel remains committed to the project, with Kevin Feige affirming its importance to the MCU at D23 Brazil 2024. The film is expected to introduce supernatural elements to the MCU, potentially featuring Kit Harington’s Dane Whitman and the Ebony Blade following his Eternals cameo. Mia Goth is reportedly still attached to star, possibly as Lilith, but until a new director and script are finalized, Blade’s 2025 prospects remain uncertain. Fans hope Marvel can deliver a worthy successor to Wesley Snipes’ iconic trilogy.
5. White Tiger (2025)
White Tiger has not been officially announced by Marvel Studios for 2025 or any other year. The character, most notably Hector Ayala or Ava Ayala in the comics, is a martial artist empowered by mystical amulets, often associated with street-level heroes like Daredevil and Spider-Man. A Reddit post on r/marvelstudios speculated White Tiger as a potential post-Multiverse Saga project, possibly as a Disney+ series, but no concrete plans exist. The character’s ties to Iron Fist, who will appear in the animated Eyes of Wakanda series in 2025, could hint at future development, but a 2025 theatrical release is highly unlikely.
6. Black Panther 3 (2025)
Black Panther 3 is in development, with Denzel Washington confirmed to join the cast, but it is not scheduled for 2025. Rumors suggest a potential November 2026 release to fit between Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, aligning with the Multiverse Saga’s climax. The film will likely follow Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), focusing on Shuri (Letitia Wright) and T’Challa II, the son of the late T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman). Washington’s role is undisclosed, with speculation he could play an aged T’Challa variant or a new character. While Wakanda will be explored in the 2025 animated series Eyes of Wakanda on Disney+, Black Panther 3 remains in early planning and won’t hit theaters this year.
7. Mosi: Black Panther (2025)
There is no evidence of a film titled Mosi: Black Panther in Marvel’s 2025 lineup or beyond. “Mosi” means “first” in Swahili, which could suggest a prequel or a new character, but no such project has been announced. It’s possible this is a fan-created concept or a misinterpretation of Black Panther 3 or Eyes of Wakanda, which traces the Black Panther legacy across generations. Without official confirmation, Mosi: Black Panther appears to be speculative and not part of Marvel’s 2025 plans.
8. Thor 5: Battle of the Gods (2025)
Thor 5 has been discussed as a potential project following Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), but it is not confirmed for 2025. Speculation points to a 2027 release, possibly featuring Chris Hemsworth’s Thor facing new cosmic threats or tying into Avengers: Secret Wars. The subtitle Battle of the Gods seems fan-invented, as no official title or plot details exist. Marvel may prioritize other franchises like Doctor Strange 3 or Shang-Chi 2 before returning to Thor, making a 2025 release improbable.
9. Venom 4 (2025)
Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) includes Venom 3 (Venom: The Last Dance), released in October 2024, but there is no confirmed Venom 4 for 2025. Given the trilogy’s conclusion and mixed reception of SSU films like Morbius and Madame Web, Sony may pivot to other projects, such as Kraven the Hunter (December 2024) or Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse (2026). A Venom 4 could theoretically enter development if The Last Dance performs strongly, but no plans have been announced, ruling out a 2025 release.
10. Black Adam (2025)
Black Adam is not a Marvel property but a DC Universe (DCU) film, released in October 2022 starring Dwayne Johnson. There are no plans for a Black Adam sequel in 2025, as the DCU has shifted focus under James Gunn’s leadership to projects like Superman (July 2025) and Peacemaker Season 2 (August 2025). Its inclusion in the query may stem from confusion with Marvel’s slate, but Black Adam is unrelated and not slated for a 2025 return.
