Marvel Studios is setting the stage for an epic 2028, with Disney recently announcing a fourth untitled film slated for release on December 15, 2028. This addition joins three other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects already scheduled for February, May, and November of that year, signaling a potentially blockbuster-packed calendar. While the studio has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of this new movie, the announcement has sparked a firestorm of speculation among fans about what Marvel has in store. Could this be the long-awaited debut of the X-Men, a Fantastic Four sequel, or something entirely unexpected? Let’s dive into the details and explore the possibilities for Marvel’s ambitious 2028 lineup.
What We Know About Marvel’s 2028 Plans
Marvel’s decision to schedule four films in 2028 marks a bold shift, especially after Disney CEO Bob Iger emphasized in May 2025 that the studio would scale back to focus on quality over quantity. This move has fans zooming about whether Marvel is doubling down on its cinematic universe or simply reserving release dates as placeholders, a tactic Disney has used before—such as when Blade was swapped out for Predator: Badlands in 2025. Here’s what we know so far:
- Confirmed Release Dates: Marvel has locked in four theatrical releases for 2028—February 18, May 5, November 10, and the newly announced December 15. This would be the most MCU films released in a single year since the studio’s peak output.
- A Packed Slate: The 2028 lineup follows a lighter schedule in 2026 and 2027, with only two films planned each year, including Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. The addition of a fourth film in 2028 suggests Marvel is preparing for a major post-Secret Wars phase.
- Disney’s Strategy: Disney has a history of holding release dates as placeholders, which could mean one or more of these 2028 slots might be reassigned to non-MCU projects. However, the current plan points to a robust MCU presence.
Potential Candidates for the Mystery Movie
While Marvel hasn’t revealed the title or focus of the December 2028 film, several projects in development have fans speculating about what could fill the slot. From mutant mayhem to cosmic adventures, here are the top contenders:
| Project | Likelihood | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|
| X-Men | High | With Thunderbolts director Jake Schreier tapped to helm the MCU’s first mutant movie, 2028 could be the perfect time for the X-Men to shine, especially post-Secret Wars. |
| Fantastic Four Sequel | High | The Fantastic Four: First Steps (releasing July 2025) is already generating buzz, and a sequel is reportedly in early development, making it a strong candidate for 2028. |
| Blade | Medium | The long-delayed Blade reboot, starring Mahershala Ali, was pulled from its 2025 slot but remains in development, potentially eyeing a 2028 release. |
| Black Panther 3 | Medium | Ryan Coogler’s next chapter in the Wakanda saga is in the works, and 2028 could see T’Challa or a new Black Panther return to the big screen. |
| Secret Wars Part 2 | Really Low | While some fans speculate this could be a follow-up to Avengers: Secret Wars, the timeline suggests it’s more likely a standalone or new team-up film. Recent news has come up stating that Secret Wars will be a one and done film. |
Final Thoughts
Marvel Studios’ decision to add a fourth film to its 2028 slate is a thrilling development for fans but also alarming. Whether it’s the X-Men finally stepping into the spotlight, a Fantastic Four sequel, or an unexpected surprise, the MCU is poised to end the decade with a bang. As we await more details, one thing is clear: Marvel is ready to take bold steps into the future, and 2028 could redefine the cinematic universe we know and love. It is very interesting how Marvel has been seemingly a rollercoaster as of late with all the projects they have released these past few years. It overall has not panned out too well with Marvel releasing so many projects in such a little time window. For 2028 to have 4 massive MCU films, well, we hope it will be an epic experience each time we go to the big screen for those four films.
