As Marvel Studios prepares for the release of Spider-Man: A New Day and Avengers: Doomsday, plans for the next chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are already starting to come together. According to industry insider Alex Perez, Marvel has selected several projects as priorities following the release of Avengers: Secret Wars, the finale of the multiverse saga.
Marvel movies are in production
Perez said during a recent Cosmic Circus Q&A that while Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange 3 is currently on hold, the studio has shifted its focus to other films such as Black Panther 3, Shang-Chi 2, Spider-Man 5, X-Men, the Charlie’s Angels sequel, Blade, Midnight’s Sons and the next Avengers.While Marvel Studios has yet to officially confirm the development, the report comes after Perez claimed last week that a new “Avengers” project is in the works and that the Russo brothers may return to direct the film.
‘Human Torch’ to return with sequel
Films about to go into production include “Thunderbolt,” also known as “The New Avengers.” The film performed modestly at the box office, but received strong critical and audience response, earning an 88% critic score and 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s also reportedly doing well after its streaming debut. Director Jack Schreier, who helmed the film, has since been tapped by Marvel to helm the studio’s upcoming X-Men reboot, further fueling speculation that the antihero team may continue to play a major role in the MCU.Several Thunderbolts actors are also expected to play major roles in Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Secret Wars, with Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova set to become one of the series’ central characters after her debut in Black Widow.
Spider-Man 5 and Shang-Chi 2 are in development
Perez also reported that a fifth Spider-Man movie is also a priority. Following record-breaking early box office receipts, the series remains one of Marvel’s biggest box office draws in recent years. The film is helmed by director Destin Daniel Cretton, who also helmed another fan-anticipated sequel to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
Blade and Midnight’s Children get updates
Also on Marvel’s rumored roadmap are Blade and Midnight’s Children , which tap into Marvel’s horror genre. Marvel first announced Mahershala Ali as the MCU’s Blade in 2019, but the project has since gone through multiple delays and creative changes. Neither film has an official release date.