As Marvel Studios gears up for the release of ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ and ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, plans are already in motion for the next chapter of the MCU. According to industry insider Alex Perez, Marvel has already selected several projects as priorities post the release of ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’, which concludes the Multiverse Saga.
Marvel films in the works
Speaking during a recent Cosmic Circus Q&A, Perez claimed that while Benedict Cumberbatch’s ‘Doctor Strange 3’ is currently on the back burner, the studio has turned its focus to other films like “Black Panther 3, Shang-Chi 2, Spider-Man 5, the X-Men, Thunderbolts sequel, Blade, Midnight Sons, and the next Avengers title,” Perez said.While Marvel Studios has not officially confirmed the developments, the report comes after Perez claimed just last week that a new ‘Avengers’ project was on the cards, with the Russo Brothers possibly returning to helm the film.
‘Thunderbolts’ to return with sequel
Among the films lined up to go into production are the ‘Thunderbolts’, aka ‘The New Avengers’. The film, which had an average run at the box office, received a strong critical and audience response, earning an 88% critics’ score and a 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It also reportedly performed well following its streaming debut. Director Jake Schreier, who helmed the film, has since been tapped by Marvel to direct the studio’s upcoming X-Men reboot, further fuelling speculation that the antihero team could continue to play a significant role in the MCU.Several members of the Thunderbolts cast are also expected to play major roles in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’, with Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova emerging as one of the franchise’s central characters following her debut in ‘Black Widow’.
‘Spider-Man 5’ and ‘Shang-Chi 2’ in development
Perez also reported that a fifth ‘Spider-Man’ film is also a priority. The franchise remains one of Marvel’s biggest box-office draws in recent years, following the record-breaking early ticket sales. The film has been helmed by director Destin Daniel Cretton, who is also directing ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ sequel, another project fans have been eagerly awaiting.
‘Blade’ and ‘Midnight Sons’ to get an update
Also featured on Marvel’s rumoured roadmap are ‘Blade’ and ‘Midnight Sons’, tapping into Marvel’s horror genre. Marvel first announced Mahershala Ali as the MCU’s Blade in 2019, but the project has since undergone multiple delays and creative changes. Neither of the two films has an official release date.
