Marvel Reportedly Planning 2028 Fantastic Four Sequel

Marvel is reportedly moving forward with plans for a sequel to The Fantastic Four: First Steps, even though the highly anticipated film is still over a month away from its release.

According to a Variety report, an untitled Fantastic Four follow-up is among several Marvel projects currently in development without set release dates, joining Ryan Coogler's Black Panther 3 and the long-awaited Blade reboot.

News of a potential Fantastic Four sequel comes in the wake of Disney's announcement this week, which revealed a fourth Marvel movie scheduled for 2028 without disclosing its title. The mystery film is slated for December 15, 2028, following three other Marvel releases already set for February, May, and November of that year.

Even before The Fantastic Four's cinematic return has debuted, it makes strategic sense for Marvel to be mapping out the heroes' future. The studio appears confident that First Steps will resonate with audiences and has already confirmed the film's cast will play pivotal roles in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.

This also raises the question of which other Marvel properties might warrant sequels, especially after mixed receptions to several projects from recent MCU phases.

We already know an Eternals follow-up isn't imminent, and given their underwhelming box office returns, sequels for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, The Marvels, or Captain America: Brave New World seem unlikely. As for recent successes, the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise appears to be on hiatus following director James Gunn's departure.

Marvel Cinematic Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show

View 17 Images

Fans have been eagerly awaiting more of Shang-Chi, though it will have been five years since his last MCU appearance by the time he returns in Avengers: Doomsday. Doctor Strange seems like a strong candidate for another solo film, though his multiverse adventures might have fit better within the current MCU saga that's now concluding.

Then there's Thor. The beloved character's most recent film was widely viewed as disappointing, and actor Chris Hemsworth recently fueled speculation about his future with the role after sharing a curiously worded message with fans.

Among Marvel's recent ventures, a swift sequel to capitalize on First Steps' anticipated success seems probable—provided the film delivers on expectations. For now, Marvel's upcoming slate includes Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 31, 2026, Avengers: Doomsday on December 18, 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars on December 17, 2027.