The Fantastic Four is the last MCU movie for a year – and that’s a good thing

From 2007 to 2019, we created approximately 50 hours of stories. However, since the release of Avengers: Endgame, we’ve produced more than double that amount – over 100 hours – in just half the time. This is an unprecedented surge… For the first time, it appears that quantity has surpassed quality.

Kevin Feige, head of Marvel Studios, acknowledged recently (as reported by Variety), mirroring comments made by Disney CEO Bob Iger in May 2025 about a potential loss of focus. However, it might seem contrary to your expectations that Marvel hasn’t reduced the number of films as planned. But remember, the path they’re taking may not always be immediately apparent or linear.

As a dedicated gamer and comic book enthusiast, I’ve just stepped out of the cinema after watching “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” making it my third Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film for the year. This one was released in record time, with barely six months between its release and the previous one. What a rollercoaster ride it’s been!

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We’ll observe if the upcoming film can surpass the earnings of “Captain America: Brave New World” ($415 million) and “Thunderbolts*” ($382 million) at the worldwide box office. Since this new movie is self-contained, it might have an advantage over the other two films set for release in 2025. However, we can understand if Marvel fans feel a bit worn out by all the releases.

Except for the year 2020, marked by only one Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film (“Deadpool & Wolverine”) and the 2020 cinema closures due to COVID-19, there has been at least three MCU films annually since 2017. Excluding the television shows that have significantly contributed to the MCU since 2021, it’s quite a substantial amount for any fan to keep up with.

We can look forward to the fact that “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” marks a whole year without any new Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies.

Indeed, you’re correct. It’s quite surprising, but the next Marvel Cinematic Universe film, titled “Spider-Man: Brand New Day“, is set to premiere on July 31, 2026, if there are no delays. However, it’s worth noting that its predecessor, “Avengers: Doomsday“, which was initially scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, may also experience a delay.

This statement implies that Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enthusiasts won’t run out of content, since there are at least four TV series scheduled to release within the following year.

It appears that only “Daredevil: Born Again” season two might be crucial for understanding the upcoming “Brand New Day” and “Doomsday” Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies. For those not obsessed with completing the MCU, these films won’t necessitate catching up on any previous titles before release in 2026.

For those who are more casual fans of the MCU, only watching the movies and not delving into the TV series, the one-year break will be particularly beneficial. The Marvel films should always feel like an exciting event, but with three releases a year consistently, maintaining that level of excitement can become challenging.

It’s hardly unexpected that “Deadpool & Wolverine” emerged as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s top-grossing film since “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” This blockbuster spectacle appealed to both casual viewers and dedicated enthusiasts, marking it as the sole MCU production for 2024 (and the initial release in a span of eight months).

It seems that either “Captain America: Brave New World” or “Thunderbolts” didn’t spark a strong desire to watch, even though “Thunderbolts” received positive reviews. The same might happen with “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”, but by the time Spiderman swings back into action next summer, any lethargy caused by the numerous MCU releases should have subsided.

It’s possible that we may no longer see Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films consistently reaching the $1 billion mark, yet it’s essential to maintain a broader appeal to achieve such a milestone. Each of the 11 MCU movies surpassing $1 billion has been an unmissable event for moviegoers who aren’t just die-hard fans but casual viewers as well.

Viewing a film like Captain Marvel ($1.13 billion worldwide), which could appear as an exception among the studio’s billion-dollar hits, became crucial for everyone due to its placement between Infinity War and Endgame. Moreover, being the first female-led movie in the MCU added an additional allure to a broader audience, making it more appealing.

Taking a break for a whole year might just be the solution for revitalizing Marvel Cinematic Universe films, allowing them to reclaim their former greatness and transform into an undeniably essential movie experience that everyone looks forward to.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is out now in cinemas.

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2025-07-25 14:19