What's The Next Marvel Movie After ‘Fantastic Four?' The Full Phase 6 Timeline

Forbes

27-07-2025

The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Marvel's latest blockbuster release, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is dominating the worldwide box office this weekend. The film has been largely embraced by critics, who have praised it as one of the best superhero films of the year. But what movie will follow The Fantastic Four, and what other projects will be released as part of Phase 6?
The Fantastic Four: First Steps officially kicked off Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The superhero movie scored the biggest Thursday preview total (beating DCU's Superman) and the second-biggest opening day of the year. By the end of its first weekend, its global grosses could reach $220 to $230 million, according to Deadline.
The film's initial success comes after an oversaturated Phase 4 and an underwhelming Phase 5, marked by major box office flops (e.g., The Marvels) and growing complaints of superhero fatigue. The criticism prompted Disney CEO Bob Iger to scale back Marvel Studios' content output. He even admitted that Marvel had 'diluted focus and attention' by producing too many Disney+ shows.
Iger's new plan was to focus on sequels and established franchises rather than diving into new content, and Phase 6 of the MCU is doing just that. The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks the fourth live-action adaptation of the beloved franchise, and its events will directly lead into the next major Avengers movie, where an infamous Fantastic Four villain (Robert Downey Jr.) will take center stage. But before we get Avengers: Doomsday, another major Marvel film is set to premiere in theaters first.
What's The Next Marvel Movie After Fantastic Four?
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 13: (L-R) Tom Holland and Zendaya attendsthe Los Angeles premiere ... More of Sony Pictures' 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' on December 13, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by)
The next Marvel movie after The Fantastic Four: First Steps will likely be the Spider-Man sequel, Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Lead star Tom Holland is returning for the upcoming installment, which is slated to swing into theaters on July 31, 2026.
Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 6 Schedule
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 27: Robert Downey Jr. speaks onstage during the Marvel Studios Panel in ... More Hall H at SDCC in San Diego, California on July 27, 2024. (Photo byfor Disney)
The sixth phase of the MCU will feature multiple movies and TV shows from 2025 to 2027, including the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday. Marvel Studios has confirmed that Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Paul Rudd and Florence Pugh are among the actors set to appear to reprise their roles.
At Comic-Con 2024, it was revealed that Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the franchise in Avengers: Doomsday as Victor Von Doom (aka Doctor Doom), the longtime Fantastic Four villain. 'New mask, same task,' Downey told the audience. Infinity War and Endgame directors Joe and Anthony Russo will also be back to helm Doomsday and 2027's Secret Wars.
Here's all the announced Phase 6 MCU projects so far, although there are still some untitled projects over the next two years that have yet to be revealed.
Will The Fantastic Four Be In The Next Avengers Movie?
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
If you want to see Marvel's First Family again after watching Fantastic Four, you won't have to wait too long. The title card at the end of First Steps confirms they'll return in Avengers: Doomsday. Plus, the post-credits scene from Thunderbolts (a shortened version of a scene from Doomsday) shows their ship entering Earth's atmosphere.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now playing in theaters. Watch the official trailer below.